I'll tell you what my T told me when I was stressing over a party thrown for me before I left Lincoln a few weeks ago:

Let people come to you... chances are they'll socialize in their own little groups anyway, and they'll talk to you and say happy birthday (Happy Birthday!! btw) to you. She says that people love to talk about themselves so ask THEM something that will make them talk like "how's work going?" or "what are you up to?" "what's your sig. other up to?" etc., etc. smile and nod a lot, and try to stick close to your bf (after all, this is his fault!).

most of all, *try* to enjoy it-- for me, my 25th was my last "significant" bday-- you've reached the quarter century mark! i've never had a bday thrown for me so i'll live vicariously through you--- be sure to tell us all about it when it's over!!