I think it's only a lot of work if you do a traditional 3 course meal all by yourself.

We just throw stuff on the grill, bake a cake, everyone else brings a salad, antipasti, baguette or whatever and we have a good time. Tidying up isn't so bad with a dishwasher.

It's nice to have people over (with no expectation that they have to be there; whoever wants and has time can come) and they all enjoy it.