DEAR ABBY: I enjoy hosting small dinner parties and like to keep the size of the group to 12, which fits comfortably around our dining room table.

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If we move furniture, we can add extra tables and chairs, but as we get older, hosting a bigger group has become more difficult.

During holidays, because we don’t have family in town, we like to invite others who are in a similar situation to join us, but we have more friends than will fit around our table.

I have tried varying the group each year, but then people’s feelings are hurt if they’re not included the next year.

Should we celebrate holidays on our own to avoid hurting anyone?

— HAPPY HOSTESS IN OHIO

DEAR HOSTESS: You are fortunate to have so many friends. As hosts, you and your husband have the privilege of invi

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