28 OCTOBER 2006, Page 87

Q. I am 24 and have just thrown my first

drinks party — 120 people came and, although everyone enjoyed themselves, I am conscious that I failed as a host in one important way. I did not introduce people to each other. I found it too difficult to do this as, each time I tried to shepherd someone across the room towards someone I had promised them they would meet, I found myself ambushed en route by other friends and never arriving at the target. What is the technique for circulating fluidly through a party when every single one of the guests is one of your own friends?

M.B., London W11 A. In order for a junior host to achieve the maximum volume of introductions it is necessary for him to remain in position near the party’s entry point. He can then be certain of at