Your first night does not need to be a performance.

Give people enough information to arrive relaxed, then let the evening become a game instead of an event you have to produce.

Before

Clarity is kind.

Put arrival, end time, learning plan, food, accessibility, and anything people need to bring in the invitation.

During

Lower the stakes.

Keep food away from the tiles, music low, questions welcome, and photo-taking optional.

After

Close while it is still warm.

Ask what worked and whether anyone wants another date. Let a no be easy.

The success metric: did everyone feel comfortable enough to return?