My wife and I are going to host a newbies' game night at our church. We'd like suggestions, not only for games to play, but especially for how to structure the event without knowing in advance how many will attend.

We're very into the hobby (playing 2p contemporary games daily). We both prefer light contemporary games, such as Patchwork, Splendour (and now Splendour Duel), 7 Wonders Duel, Jaipur, Quiddler, Agility, Pagoda, Star Realms, Dominion, and Parks -- as well as classic games like cribbage, pinochle (2p, we don't know the 4p version, but we'dlike to learn), rummikub, and Scrabble. Do any of these games make you think of any games that play well at a higher player count? We don't like Star Realms, e.g., at more than 2 players.

I like more thinky (but easy to learn) games like chess, Hive, and Onitama. My wife goes along with playing those with me, but prefers the lighter games. She likes Quacks and Unstable Unicorns (e.g.), but I'm not enamored of games involving so much luck. We're both allergic to studying thick rule books.

Our "shelf of shame" (unopened NIB games) are mostly those we realized after it arrived are heavier/more complex than either of us like, such as Scythe, Terraforming Mars, and Gloomhaven (anyone want to buy?).

Has anyone here ever hosted such an evening? How did you structure it? And how did it go?

Our hopes for the game night are multiple. First and most imporant, we want to maximize good time for all. Second, the event might result in a repeat (or even regular) game night for the church. Third, we might meet meet folks who'd like to just play with us at our house.

Thanks for your ideas.