Merry wasn't actually eating anymore. This was because he was laughing himself sick. Not literally. He was trying to keep it unobtrusive, but it was difficult. Next to him, Pippin was going "What? What's so funny? Did I miss something?" He couldn't wait to meet this redheaded woman who clearly threw Tony for a loop. Anyone who could manage that was someone he wanted to know.
For now, he turned to Elena, still chuckling. "I can't promise nothing weird or unusual, not with this group, but the idea was just a party, yes." Merry grinned. "Meriadoc Brandybuck at your service. This short fellow is Pippin." All right, Pippin was only an inch or so shorter, but it counted. Especially when you were a hobbit.