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.