'Don't bring up something bad don't want to be negative'
NO NO NO NO NO.
This one of the best ways to go about it! Don't be super serious sourpus, sure, but light hearted riffs about something slightly annoying that they'll understand too is 100% a brilliant way to start conversation!
Just be careful not to aim the “light hearted riff” and someone the conversation target is close to! “Whoever planned this party must have too much time on their hands!”
“That would be me.”
Fair enough!