Hi Cindy
Two years ago, I found a tip in a magazine that absolutely changed the way I do mashed potatoes for a crowd. The hint was to make your mashed potatoes early and put them in your crock pot on low. (High will make them turn brown) The only thing you MUST NOT DO is add too much liquid to the potatoes because as they sit in the crock pot, the condensation waters them down a bit. I gave the recipe to a customer (I work in a grocery store) and he thought it was great EXCEPT IT WAS LIKE SOUP. When I make mashed potatoes, I boil the potatoes w/garlic and season the water real good w/spices. Then drain out all the water and add BUTTER, and a flavored sour cream or cream cheese spread, like garlic & herb or just plain sour cream or cream cheese. NO OTHER LIQUID and sometimes it stays in the crock pot for up to 8 hrs. If when you are ready to serve it it is too thick add liquid then.
HOPE this helps, sorry for rambling.
Frances