Compete a little. Enjoy it more.
Build a friendly challenge around participation and a clear finish.
Agree on the kind of evening
Some people want a serious match; others want an excuse to catch up. Say which you are planning before anyone starts. A shared expectation avoids the awkward point where one person thinks everyone else is treating the game incorrectly.
Make the rules visible
Choose a familiar format, explain the scoring, and agree on how long it runs. Short rounds and a clear rotation help when experience varies. If a rule is uncertain, settle it before it decides a close result.
Track something useful
A personal best or a more consistent performance can be a satisfying target alongside the match result. Compare like with like, and avoid reading too much into a single evening. Progress is easier to notice when you remember the conditions of the attempt.
Keep the invitation open
Offer help when it is wanted and give new players room to try. A challenge is easier to repeat when everyone feels included. End with a final round, a bit of perspective, and another reason to meet.
Choose one idea that fits your next free evening. Keep the plan small enough that you will actually start.