>>4
Use the environment to your advatage. Is there something going on worth talking about? See anyone wearing something they shouldn't? Heck, you can even use the color of paint on the walls.

Spot the girl, go up to her and half talk to her half talk to no-one in particular, and say something like, "This place is okay and all, but damn if whoever painted it shouldn't be hauled off to prison for torturing our eyes." When she replies back, say something brazen and witty in return, something that would make her choke on her drink and laugh while thinking "Oh my God I can't believe he said that!".

You need to have the right mind-set, while I call the Three C's: Cocky, Confident, and Comical.

You don't even need to BE any of those three. Just learn to fake it. If you have a good imagination, pretend to be someone else, like an actor or literary character you enjoy.