If drinking is a problem... don't go to the dinner after.
If you were not wanted there by him...you would not have been invited.
As for social skills needed... Just smile and say thank you alot *LOL*
Ok really... to get through any function... remember that it isn't about you so ask others...So what is new with you? What are you doing these days? By making it be about others, you will learn a lot about others and the time will fly by fast. Ask them their opinion or how they are doing and let them do all the talking.