Baked potato bar for graduation

[L&Lfan]

Sounds like a LOT of work for Mom. You're a much better person than I. I'd tell my daughter to pound salt; we're going to a restaurant, just family and maybe 2 or 3 friends.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I (and my oldest son) love baked potatoes. I don't know anyone who doesn't like them, except my youngest son, but he doesn't like anything.

 

[Kae]

Who has 200 people at a graduation party? That's bigger than a lot of weddings

That's normal around here. Between kids classmates, family & friends of parents. We did a taco Bar btw worked out great & an ice cream machine, Lemonade, Iced Tea, beer & white sangria. My son's Best friend did a hot dog bar it was good too.

Kae

 

[wenrob]

I (and my oldest son) love baked potatoes. I don't know anyone who doesn't like them, except my youngest son, but he doesn't like anything.

As I mentioned up thread, two out of my three kids do not like baked potatoes. In fact, they don't like any kind of potatoes unless they're fried. (They are a disgrace to their Idaho heritage. ) I know plenty of people who just don't like potatoes. Then you have the people who believe carbs are evil with summer/vacation is coming up who won't touch them. And people like me, who are mindful of their calories. While I might inhale a giant, fully loaded baker before my steak on a splurge night I'm not going to give up 500-1000 calories at two in the afternoon a couple hours before dinner. My guess is OP is going to be stuck with a LOT of leftover potatoes. Something like this, a reception in the middle of the day with 200ish people calls for a variety of small, snacky type stuff and handheld desserts IMO.

 

[L&Lfan]

Aren't many people still carb phobic?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Aren't many people still carb phobic?

It is my understanding that carbs don't exist when you are going to celebrations.

 

[QueenIsabella]

The only things I would add to your list of toppings would be chives and bacon. I think Sam's Club sells real bacon bits in the large economy size.

Good luck, this sounds like a huge endeavor, I hope it all goes well for you. And congrats to your DD!

 

[Allison]

That's normal around here. Between kids classmates, family & friends of parents. We did a taco Bar btw worked out great & an ice cream machine, Lemonade, Iced Tea, beer & white sangria. My son's Best friend did a hot dog bar it was good too.

Kae

It is the way things are around here too. Lots of people in and out going from party to party with meals served-not snacks.

 

[Minnesota!]

FWIW, I think this sounds like one of the easiest things to do for a party. My mom spent days making sloppy joes, potato salad, veggie trays, etc. DAYS. Here, you wash up a few hundred potatoes, wrap, and bake. Keep warm. Throw out bulk quantities of sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, ham (all obtained easily and on the cheap at Costco), and you are set.

 

[camreesmom]

I love the idea of a baked potato bar. I don't know what part of the country you're from but graduation parties of this size are normal around here. So much so that we've given all of our kids the choice of a graduation party or a vacation which has led to the tradition of a family cruise the week after graduation.

 

[bjscheel]

Yes, it's what everyone does here and guests come planning to EAT!

I'll have help from grandmas and aunts in the kitchen and I do think potatoes are about as easy as it can get. Thanks for the words of encouragement and food for thought

 

[Kae]

I can suggest mypapershop.com they have great prices, better than party city for that many.

Kae

 

[SharonZ]

Are you having any other options besides the baked potato bar?

 

[Liberty Belle]

As I mentioned up thread, two out of my three kids do not like baked potatoes. In fact, they don't like any kind of potatoes unless they're fried. (They are a disgrace to their Idaho heritage. ) I know plenty of people who just don't like potatoes. Then you have the people who believe carbs are evil with summer/vacation is coming up who won't touch them. And people like me, who are mindful of their calories. While I might inhale a giant, fully loaded baker before my steak on a splurge night I'm not going to give up 500-1000 calories at two in the afternoon a couple hours before dinner. My guess is OP is going to be stuck with a LOT of leftover potatoes. Something like this, a reception in the middle of the day with 200ish people calls for a variety of small, snacky type stuff and handheld desserts IMO.

Didn't really think of the carb thing, but if the OP still goes that route, she could make sure to have some healthy toppings (salsa, broccoli, scallions, fat free cottage cheese, etc). I LOVE sour cream, but try not to indulge too often and have had plenty of baked potatoes with salsa or even just some salt. I never put butter on my baked potato.

 

[pryncess527]

Now I really want a baked potato.