With so many people dreading such events when they quit alcohol, or even deciding to put off quitting because they can't imagine life without parties (and assume they all HAVE to involve booze), I thought I would note down how I feel about tonight.
For one thing I am excited because it is a black tie do and I love dressing up smart. My wife and I have also been going to ballroom and dance lessons so hopefully there will be lots of jiving, waltzing and cha-chai'ng later on.
I know the food will be wonderful because I have already had a chance to make our selection from the menu and roast cod loin with basil cream sauce sounds divine, and as always the company of our host and his family will be stimulating, entertaining and great fun. There are also likely to be a few surprises in store.
Because I don't drink, I have been asked to propose the toast and make a speech, so although these things are a bit daunting it is a great honour and I shall give it my all.
And then there is the drive home in the early hours which I shall also enjoy on the empty roads of London, knowing I will still be up early on Saturday morning raring to go, and off for my regular morning swim.
Where is the room for booze in any of that? All it would do is wreck what will be a great evening.