[nollidge]

My go-to icebreaker is "so, how do you know {party_host}?" Then share with them how you know {party_host}. That establishes a few things:

1) Instant connection - we both know {party_host}

2) You learn a detail about them (occupation, hobby, hometown)

3) They learn a detail about you

4) You've told someone why you're there, so then you won't feel like everyone's questioning your presence

5) You've got a starting point for talking to more people (introduce this person to someone else you know, and/or they'll do likewise)