I wouldn't even know the first thing about the "rules" so would need help w/ all that, but I love to play hostess, have 1 long & 3 regular card tables, several brand-new decks of cards, one box of poker chips, numerous other games if non-poker players are there to enjoy such as backgammon, chess, Trivial Pursuit, etc... Even CLUE for those who need one. :P LOL j/k
There have been similar gatherings w/ raffles such as my going away (but I didn't... HA!) party in Dec. I know a retired provider who did this successfully a cpl yrs ago. Anyway, there's always concerns about who to invite. Usually, it's only fellas the lady has met or been able to screen to her satisfaction. It can be a risky event if the wrong folks get curious. That just bites, huh? We should be able to enjoy ourselves w/out looking over shoulders.
Thanks for the tip, though, CJ. Definitely something I'd love to do for some of my second family.