I always have a better time than I think I'll have then get mad at myself for worrying about it beforehand :-) Each good time though I make a thought picture of a thing or two and then the next party, imagine who I'll talk to or sit with, remember previous parties, and think of a question or two I want to ask the people I'll see again, figure out what I'll say about myself (that often doesn't work, I always talk too much because I'm so nervous), etc.

Glad you did okay Bethsway and had a goodish time.