It seems that in today’s modern culture there is no end to the number of ways we can invite others to a party. Although a shower is the type of party that can be handled with a phone call or note, there is something nice about receiving a written invitation, preferably one that is fun and interesting.

Even if you have two left feet when it comes to making things, you will find that it is not the complexity of the invite but the sense of party that it conveys that will leave the most favorable impression.

• Handwritten invitations. A handwritten note is a time-honored method of inviting people to a shower. In fact, it stands out in the sea of computer-generated clip art invites you have become accustomed to receiving. Choose a good quality stationery, use a comfortable pen (gel pens have a good flow and come in many attractive colors), and after a practice run, put your best penmanship to work. This option is perfect for a small shower with fifteen invitations or less.

• Preprinted invitations. These invitations can be located at a variety of places, including your local stationery or card shop, many drugstores, or party stores. These invitations typically feature some cute artwork on the front and have fill-in lines for your party information on the inside. There are lots of options available on the Web for this type of invitation as well. This is an excellent option for any shower.

• Handmade invitations. Here’s where the creative juices start to flow. If you feel comfortable with crafts, or have some computer knowledge, these invitations can be made easily and offer a huge variety of designs.

• Custom printed invitations. Card shops, such as Hallmark, Papyrus, and the like, can use preprinted designs to custom print your invitations. Of course, you can also take your project to a local printer, but the cost of small-run printing jobs can be exorbitant.

• Electronic invitations. Evite.com is one of many one-stop online invitation- and party-design Web sites that offers electronic invitations. You can choose a design, type in all the information, and with the push of a button your invitations are created and mailed. You can track R.S.V.P.s online, and send non-responsive guests an e-mail reminder to respond.

  This is a perfect invitation for workplace parties or if the group to be invited is “well connected.” The downside to this form of invitation is that not all your guests may have access to e-mail. In addition, there is no physical invitation to thumbtack to a bulletin board or hang on your refrigerator.