In trying to create the perfect sports-related party, it is always a good idea to get your guests feeling enthusiastic from the get-go. Winning your guests over with your invitations is a great way to start.

Of course, there's nothing like receiving something hand-made and I guarantee that if you take some of the following suggestions, the recipients will really appreciate your efforts. Clockwise from the top left:

Baseball Invitation:

Perfect for your baseball-inspired party, try to catch this simple, quick idea.

Supplies:

• baseball
• box
• shredded paper
• marker
• complementary ribbon

Method:

Using a marker, detail the baseball with the party info. At the top, write something like "Take me out to the ballgame", or "The Baseball Ball".

Line the box with shredded paper, place the baseball inside and place the lid on top.

Tie complementary ribbon around it (use colours that will salute your favourite team).

Tennis Invitation:

Take a swing at this tennis-inspired invitation, perfect for watching Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the French Open, or any tennis match.

Supplies:

• can of tennis balls, emptied
• vellum paper
• marker
• gumballs (try to find smiley-faced ones!)

Method:

Detail a piece of vellum paper with all of the party information, writing "Tennis Match" at the top.

Fill canister with gumballs and seal it up with the lid.

Pool Party Invitation:

Know somebody who is joining their college swimming team? Here's a way to take a dive into the world of entertaining

Supplies:

• swimming goggles
• marker
• paper

Method:

Detail the party info. on two pieces of paper, then attach them onto each "eye" of the goggles. Write something like "A Pool Party! B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own Bikini)"

Horse Race Invitation:

Feel like watching horse races with your friends? Here's a starting line for that beautiful day in the sun:

Supplies:

• antique/vintage horseshoe
• nice piece of paper
• marker
• complementary ribbon

Method:

Detail the party info. on paper, then attach it to the horseshoe with a complementary ribbon. Write something like "A Day at the Races; Tea and Bubbly; A Bit of Sweets and Savoury; Post-time: two o'clock."

Football Invitation:

Why not toss around this idea for the perfect invite to your Football Party?

Supplies:

• sturdy felt (in two different colours which correspond to the team that you're saluting)
• lightweight felt (in a different colour)
• pennant
• scissors
• black acrylic paint

Method:

Cut felt into pennant shape.

Using an additional coloured felt, cut into four small pieces, then place at edge of pennant so that it looks like ties. Cut a longer strip and place it vertically across them.

Cut lightweight felt into letters, which detail your party information. (i.e. "The Foot Ball"). Using paint, trace the letters inside the felt-shape.

Don't forget to try to work in the lingo of the various sports with each invitation; it will sure keep the theme top of mind.

As well, keep in mind that all of your invitation suggestions should be hand-delivered. It's worth the effort when you get to see the recipient's reaction as you hand them their homemade invite.