I read in a book on social skills that when you meet new people it is a good idea to have little party games and ice-breakers ready to stimulate conversation.
For instance if you meet a group you should say "how do you all know each other", and they will all introduce each other to you and then include you as you will know them all.
also it said you should have some silly conversation games, like looking at everyones palms or finger length, and seeing what they're supposed to say about peoples personality. It doesnt mean you or anyone there actually believes in palm reading or finger length tests, its just supposed to be silly fun games that gets everyone talking and laughing.
One I did was this rings game where you look at what finger everyone has a ring on,
index - bossy,
middle - rebellious,
ring - romantic,
pinky - competitive and sporty,
thumb - independant,
no ring, a free thinker,
more than one finger, combinations.
I did the game at my friends birthday party last year, and it really helped get conversation going and get everyone laughing and chatting to each other. They didnt take it seriously, i dont think you're supposed to.