Mashed, Not Mushy Potatoes!

First , start with cold water and add salt.  If you add your potatoes to hot water, they will not cook evenly.  Drain them VERY well - water will make them mushy!  Dump them back into the cooking pot to mash them - it keeps them warm!  
Do you like to add cream, milk, or butter?  Warm the additions BEFORE adding so the potatoes absorb the flavorings and don't cool off too soon.  ​

For goodness sakes, don't mash them with a blender, food processor, or mixer.  Just use a plain ole' potato masher by hand.  The more you work with the potatoes, the more mushy and starchy they become.  
​Make mashed potatoes at the last minute.  Potatoes don't like to wait for anyone - they give up their tastiness!  If you must make them ahead of time, stick them in a crock pot on warm and fluff them before serving.