Making mashed potatoes ahead of time-best way?

[ButterSticks]

Have any of you made mashed potatoes the day ahead and then reheated them for a dinner? Do they taste alright or do they dry out and what's the best way to reheat them?
Has anyone tried the premade mashed potatoes sold in a vacuum pack in the cooler section of the supermarket?

[cinnamon]

I like fresh mashed potatoes. Just trying to think this out, I think you could precook the potatoes one day, and then use the microwave to reheat them before beating them. I think the time is in cooking the potatoes. The last part of using the mixer, and adding milk and butter goes fast.

[cinnamon]

Oh, and a great trick for variety in the potatoes is to mix a teaspoon of minced garlic into the potatoes when beating.

[Mama Mangia]

I don't know how much "ahead" of time you are talking - but you can make them and place them in a crockpot on low and they will not dry out or ruin.

[rt49andellis]

Usually if you just put them back into a pan and add some butter, maybe some milk, they will loosen back up and come back to life.