Thursday, January 27, 2011

Mashed Potato Martini Bar: Mashtinis!

bunco night. girls night. game night. family night. book club night.
any night.



A mashed potato bar is a super fun idea for a dinner gathering! I hosted our monthly bunco night at my home sweet home this week. It's a break from the normal daily tasks for 12 girls to enjoy some easy fun. I wanted to serve soup and potatoes because it would be seasonally appropriate for this January winter month. And then my dear friend told me about an aMAZing idea...

a Mashed Potato Martini Bar...Mashtinis.
The meal was served buffet style with a martini glass in place of a plate.

And everything was plastic, because we like it that way...



A Mashed Potato Bar allows for virtually NO cooking! It's just a lot of cutting, dicing, and opening cans. {wink} However, I did get a little carried away and served 26 toppings because I was too excited (as usual) and couldn't narrow down my topping choices...


Our Mashed Potato Bar Toppings:
gravy
bacon
cheddar cheese
sour cream
butter
cubed ham
chili
popcorn chicken
steamed broccoli
mushrooms
shredded carrots
tomatoes
sweet peas
green onions
homemade cheese sauce
olives
sun dried tomatoes
basil pesto sauce
feta cheese
artichoke hearts
parmesan cheese
salsa
orange peppers
corn
tortilla strips
pepper jack cheese


I divided the toppings into stations by type:
Classic Loaded and Meat Area

Mexican Area

Mediterranean and Italian Area

Healthy and Veggie Area

And because I was loving this so much, I pretended I was a restaurant and I made a few creations to give the guests ideas on their mashtinis.

This is the Classic Loaded Meat Mashtini: popcorn chicken, diced ham, bacon, butter, cheddar cheese, sour cream, chives


The Garden Veggie with Cheese Sauce Mashtini: steamed broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, sweet peas, tomatoes, onions, cheese sauce

The Spanish Style Mashtini:
salsa, orange peppers, corn, pepperjack cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips
And the Mediterranean/Italian Mix Mashtini: olives, sun dried tomatoes, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, basil pesto



For those guests on January diets, I prepared this to-die-for, virtually calorie free soup that is a genius creation from my Uncle Rick. He is a natural in the kitchen and knows what to mix and how much. I wish he lived closer so I could sample his cooking more. I was fortunate to taste his soup and also was able to snag his recipe for it. :) It's an Italian Turkey Meatball with Veggies Soup, with a broth base. It has brussel sprouts, parsnips, cabbage, and more.

If I ever do a diet, this is what I will be making...


Izzes! My second favorite consumable liquid after coke.


For dessert I was happy to find these itty bitty martini glasses at Pier 1. They are just adorable. I made fresh fruit parfaitinis. I like these nerdy names by the way.

These were made with cubed angel food cake and chocolate angel food cake, fresh whipped heavy cream, a mini scoop of vanilla ice cream, and berries in sugar sauce. Again, this is a no cooking for the non homemaker girls out there...



To make the table bunco festive, I used colored dishes and napkins and lots of dice to decorate.


Even the candle holders look like giant martini glasses!



I also used our prize money as table decor and baby dice in the bottom of the candle holders. The giant dice are bookends from Pottery Barn.


And a couple of our cute bunco girls...




Girl talk, carbs, pretty things, cash, yummy treats...bunco nights are good nights.

What are your top shelf ideas for menus when you're hostessing?






This post is linked to: It's a Blog Party, LambAround, DIY Showoff, DIY Living, Seasonal Sundays, It's so Very Cheri, Strut Your Stuff at Saturday Mornings, Making the World Cuter, Motivate Me Mondays, Market Yourself Mondays, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tuesdays at the Table, Topsy Turvy Tuesday, Tuesdays Unwrapped, Get Your Craft On, We're Organized Wednesday, Outdoor Wednesday, Works for Me Wednesday, Show and Tell, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Transformation Thursday, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff, Friday Favorites, Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, I'm Lovin It, Funky Junk Interiors, Fabulous Friday Finds, Tickled Pink*, Be Different Act Normal, Weekend Wrap Up

66 comments:

Leanne said...

Just another reason we should be real life friends. We're both in Bunco groups. What a fun idea! You're so creative and your presentations are amazing. I love the parfait-tinis too. Looks like a fun group and a fun night. I'm hosting in May, any ideas?

bee'nme said...

SO clever, and delicious! Never in a million years would I have thought to elevate mashed potatoes (which I love) to such a gorumet level, and with such a stylish presentation! Fabulous! Looks like it was a big hit with your very lucky friends :o) - thanks for sharing!

Blessings,
Becky

Taylor Renee said...

This is awesome! I adore it, especially that you made the chalkboard restaurant-style.

I'm totally passing this on to my sister who has a bunco group! I don't but now I need an occasion to do this!

-Taylor

Jane said...

Clever idea! Wish I had this idea a couple of weeks ago, when I hosted Bunco. Guess I'll store it until next year...
I used a "pirate" theme in honor of Gasparilla (Tampa's annual pirate fest)...think Mardi Gras, pirate style. Lots of beads, parrots, pirates and treasure chests filled with coins.Foods were "manly" and spicy, with lots of lime (to prevent scurvy!). It was fun!

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

What a cute idea! I love me some mashed potatoes, so I would be going back for seconds (and thirds!).

Brittanie Gordon said...

how charming!!

gv said...

OMG! That looks SOOO good!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

That's a wonderful idea, Lisa! I will have to remember this. We had martini glasses with whipped potatoes for our anniversary party years ago, and everyone loved it. But you've taken it to a new level. And I love Bunco!

XO,

Sheila :-)

jetangels said...

Your creativity and hard work is so appreciated! You make even simple mash potatoes feel sexy and lively!! Thank you for sharing your gifts...

Jessica Loukota Leimback said...

What cute ideas LISA!! Turned out very Bunoish...wish I could just blink up there for the day and get every aspect of it (food in my belly would be nice).

Traci said...

My friend had one of those at her wedding reception. It was sooo good. Looks like y'all had a fun night!

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I LOOOVE this idea!!! Who knew??? Love the parfaitinis too!!! Thanks for the inspiration! XO, Pinky

Southerncook said...

I have been to a cocktail party where they did a Martini Mashed Potato Bar. It is so much fun and I bet your guests loved it. Your post was adorable and a good reminder for me to do this sometime soon.

Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

Anonymous said...

beautiful pictures!

Unknown said...

THAT Was such a fun post! And a great idea for a shower too! Babe or Bridal!
Thanks for the great idea~

Rainey @ The Project Table

Angela said...

Gorgeous photos, who knew mashed potatoes could look so appetizing? Lol. I found you through the tickled pink blog hop, I look forward to following your posts :-)

Jenny said...

You are brilliant! I love this!

caveman said...

I can't believe I was required to leave while you hosted the yummiest party of the year! Fortunately, my next day experience verified that every single creation was amazing.

Your creativity, and the energy that you capture when you hostess, is inspiring. Even to a guy. It never ceases to amaze me how you are able to outdo prior events that previously seemed untoppable!

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

What a fun idea, and so beautifully presented. I do not have a set of martini glasses, and while I love the glassware, since I don't drink martinis, just couldn't justify buying them. Now I can! This looks like it was a fun party. Thanks for the GREAT idea! I love everything about it.

HollyC said...

Best idea ever!! You've really inspired me to 'think outside the box' on some of my entertaining. All of the different Mashtinis look amazing. Thanks for sharing and Happy Foodie Friday.
~Holly

Ruth H. said...

Okay, this has got to be the best party food idea I've seen in YEARS. Quick, I have to host book club at my house ASAP! Thanks for sharing!

Lacie said...

This is such a cute idea! Thanks for sharing.

Kelly Miller said...

I love this idea! I'm sharing it with my Facebook friends. :)

Lynn said...

What a neat idea! Looks like you had as much fun planning it as you did at the party:@)

Amber said...

What a fun idea! I'm so doing this for my next part! Thanks for sharing!!

Denise said...

O.K. I'm doing this. I AM DOING THIS! Mashtinis. So very cool. Love all the toppings too.

Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com said...

Found you via Funky Junk SNS. This is such a great idea! I love the fun and festivity of it all. I'm gonna try it myself sometime soon!

Lulu said...

Everything is better in a martini glass whether you eat or drink it. We did a martini bar with grits when my daughter got married, and the toppings were what made it so much fun.

Anonymous said...

**giggle giggle**
I've been blog-hopping and not really paying any attention to whose blog I was on . . . **giggle giggle** so, when I started reading and looking at these wonderful photos and thinking what a great idea this is **giggle giggle** I thought to myself, "Self, you need to send this link to Lisa because she would love this idea!" **giggle giggle*
DUH !
SwAmPy~

mama hall said...

you are *so* creative and FUN!

please please share the Italian Turkey Meatball Soup recipe! :) i'm BEGGING you!!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Mashtinis are definitely my kinda meal!

The Tablescaper said...

What an awesome idea! Everything looks soooo delicious. Thanks for bringing your wonderful Bunko celebration to Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

annies home said...

how fun sounds like a great time i love this idea

Anonymous said...

totally fabulous idea and everything looks delicious!

Julie said...

How fun is this!! Everything looks fantastic!

Jacqueline said...

How fabulous. I had this at a wedding, upscale one, but it surely wasn't this fabulous!!!! Glad I stopped by. I will have a classic loaded and a Spanish one.

maleahbliss said...

Those look so fun and YUMMY!!! It looks like bunco night ROCKED! :)
I'd love for you to link up to my new linky party, Tute {Yourself} Tuesday!
LittleEme.blogspot.com
The linky will be open until this evening. :)

Anonymous said...

This is an adorable idea and the mini dessert glasses make it! I'll have to file this one away. Thanks for sharing!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Oh does this look fun! Thanks for sharing your clever ideas.

Maggie Lamarre said...

I must come to your next party, this look so amazing :)
Don't forget to link it in our linking party this week.

http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/2011/02/fun-ideas-for-valentine-day-2011be.html

Maggie

Beverly {Flamingo Toes} said...

What a great idea for a party!! I love it. I'm forwarding this link to my sister - she's always looking for great Bunco ideas! Thanks!

CJ Foss said...

Love this idea! I have an upcoming Mah Jong party that I'll use your Mashtini idea! Thanks for the inspiration! ~CJ

the cape on the corner said...

holy moly, i love this! i have always wanted a mashed potato bar at my wedding (if i ever get married, of course). and parfaitinis-so good. you gals look like you had a blast!

Marlis said...

Lisa, this is ingenious! I am so stealing this idea. Love the martini glasses for this too. Your table looks great.

Merri Cvetan said...

Yummy. What a fun way to serve mashed potatoes at a party. Great idea.

Beverly {Flamingo Toes} said...

This is such a great idea - I featured it today - http://www.flamingotoes.com/2011/02/crush-of-the-week-31/
Wanted to let you know! :)

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

What a fun post - you sure know how to throw a fun party.

:)
ButterYum

Tyra said...

I can't wait to do this. What an amazing idea. Thank you for the "topping" ideas as well.

Holly Lefevre said...

If I could I would eat mashtinis all the time...yum! What a fun idea for bunco. Love those dice on the table too...very colorful and fun - the way bunco should be!

Tamales, lime black beans, and salad is my current go-to menu.

Amy said...

What a feast! This is such a nice party you have there! Love those Mashtinis!

Kitty Deschanel said...

You stole my heart with "Mashtinis" - so ridiculously cute! I'm going to forward this post to my mum. She's a bunco party fanatic :)

Jenn Erickson said...

Yum! What a fabulous party idea! I love the fact that you had an inspiration board for your guests. Everything looks fabulous, and so, so fun!! Jenn/Rook No. 17 (by way of Flamingo Toes "Crush of the Week")

TidyMom said...

What a fun idea!!!

Thanks for linking up!!! I featured your post in my wrap up! http://tidymom.net/2011/im-lovin-it-wrap-up-2-5-1/

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! I can't even stand how cute this is! :-) Now I want to have a Bunco party just to give it a try, ha!

~Brown's Blessings~ said...

That soup looks delish!!! Recipe, recipe... : )

The Single Nester said...

What a fun party! I want you as a buddy!

Anonymous said...

Super fun idea! Great idea for the next time I host a card making event!

Unknown said...

LOVE your mashtini bar! I am soooo doing this!

Entertaining Women said...

What a great idea! I know that your Bunco group was thrilled with the special touches that you created. Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

The Teacher's Wife said...

FABULOUS!
I bet everyone loved it!
We've done BAKED potatoe bar, but it never occured to me to have them mashed. Bet they are SO MUCH BETTER!
Thanks for sharing such a great idea!

~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

WOW! What an awesome idea!! I'm totally going to use that for a party that I host! Love it! and too cute!

Katherine Chalkley said...

Thank you for this great post! I sampled a mashed potato martini bar at a friend's wedding reception several years ago,and I knew I had to recreate it for my sister's baby shower...which was a mocktail/cocktail party (themed Peter Cocktail). I found your blog and followed your suggestions. It was a hit! Even the gentlemen loved it!!! THANK YOU!!!

Katherine Chalkley said...

As a follow-up, thought you might like to read about the Mashed Potato Martinis and other hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and mocktails from the shower on my blog: http://katherinechalkley.blogspot.com/2011/07/cocktail-anyone.html
Thanks again!

Eve Trader said...

I'm going to do this for Christmas... What size martini glasses and where did you find them?

A Perfect Setting said...

Great idea!! Looks like so much fun and the best part if--not much cooking!! Did you post the recipe for the soup? I'd love to try it.

SuzieCK said...

Where did you find the martini glasses? I'm going to do this for my sister in law's bridal shower. How fun