How about using the small ball mason jars? They are perfect for small servings and should be stable on a plate. Sounds like a great idea for a party. What kinds of soup are you serving?

Lee

WOW, that's a good idea...cute, too! Thanks. Ohhhhh, I'm not sure on the soups yet. I make a good seafood gumbo (lowfat, too!), I could do chili or a taco soup for that category. Probably need a soup with chicken in it or one with no meat at all for those unfortunate types. LOL! Maybe a cream soup. I can come up with the soup menu ideas, but I've been stumped on the vessels to serve them in.

Thanks for your idea...I like it.

I think mugs would be GREAT, especially for heartier soups like potato, chili, black bean.
As for salad, I'd do a simple mixed greens and make a salad bar of sorts as well-tomato, cucumber, croutons, shredded cheese, bacon bits, baby corn--I find if people do not like 1 thing in a salad, they skip it altogether. And of course, a choice of dressings. This can be done in relatively little space if you use serving tray type deals with multiple compartments.
I've never done this, but sounds PERFECT for a SOUPer BOWL party!!!!

I love the Mason jar idea....but only for cold soups. Those jars get wicked hot. For that reason I would use the coffee mug idea...you need the handle with hot soups. c

I was going to say the jars will be hot and no way to safely hold them. Broccoli cheddar is a great one for "no meat" folk.

How about hollowed out bun "bowls"? Would work for some soups well, but maybe not all.

Ramekins?

Flat bottomed (stable on a plate), stackable, good for hot or cold food, and probably available in quantity and inexpensively from a restaurant supply store. And when you have your next party, with creme brulee for a crowd, you'll be all set.

The more I think about it, I ADORE the mason jar idea! It could be the Mason Jar Soup Bar Party. I could have the larger mason jars sitting around through the house with flameless candles nestled in candy corn in them. BTW, this party will be the later part of October.

Bahacca, I know what you're saying about the salad...you're so right. I was going to do that layered salad with the Hellmans on top cause it's a do ahead deal...I heart and need do ahead. The salad bar would be better...people could get exactly what they like, but I just don't know if I'm up for it. I never even entertain that much so I'm stepin out already here. HA! I thought the soup deal would be easy for me cause I can make them ahead and I have three crockpots that can babysit them for me. I'm definitely no Martha Stewart. But, I'm going to think about the salad bar idea, cause as I said, you are right on. You can't believe the things I've seen people pick out of their food to avoid eating at a party. I EAT EVERYTHING AND I'M HAPPY AS A PIG ABOUT IT!

Trailrunner, good point, but the only time they really have to "hold" the jar is when they are pouring in the soup. Then they can sit it on their plate and just have to grab the rim when they tilt it to eat it. Can you tell I am thinking this out round and round and round?! It's not like they are having to hold the jar in their hand the whole time they're eating it. Can you also tell I'm loving and lobbying for the mason jar idea? Unless.....someone comes up with something better/cuter. Another thing, the mason jar would be smaller on the plate then a coffee mug...and maybe even a bit more stable.

Thank you ALL for your comments!!! Oh geez, my hubby would think I've gone way around the bend if he saw this post. But, I think there are many of you here who "get it/me."

pup

Then they can sit it on their plate and just have to grab the rim when they tilt it to eat it.

While I think the mason jar idea is really cute, the idea of walking around balancing one full of hot soup on a plate makes me very nervous. I think I'd just do salad if confronted by that, honestly.

This is the size I was thinking of...

http://www.amazon.com/Bernardin-Mason-Jars-125-Decorative/dp/B000FOW8JM

Small enough to sample a soup and small enough not to topple over. If you held it by the rimmed top it should be fine. I wouldn't worry about it being hot any more than a coffee mug.

I always do salad bar ahead. Night before-chop olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, hard boiled eggs, etc and put into baggies. Then, when guests arrive, simply dump the already prepped ingredients into the serving vessel of your choice-mason jars, regular bowls or divided "snack" tray type deals if you have them. EASY!

Okay, Mnerg, see my above post. There will definitely be no next party with creme brulee for a bunch. HA! Course, I don't can either so there would be no next good use for the mason jars either.

The ramekins are a good idea. Think they are large enough? I don't know the capacity of a ramekin put up against a baby mason jar? Hmmmm, guess there are different sizes of ramekins. I do think I have four "bigger then the average bear" ramekins somewhere around here. Mason jars have the cuteness factor. Ramekins are more practical. Maybe I could wrap a little hankie around the baby masons? Wait, wait I'm trying to keep this simple!

Thanks all!
pup

If you do try Mason jars, go for the wide mouth ones. They will get hot.

Check out the bowls linked below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Set of 12 bowls

I had a mason jar vision in my head. I Googled and this was the one or similar I was thinking of. Think I can get them at Wally World.

And let me say, even if I don't call you out by name, I thank each and every one for your suggestions. They all give me something to think about.

pup

Here is a link that might be useful: masons in my mind

I was thinking more of something like this -- small and wider opening to make eating soup easier than taller, narrower ones.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wide Mouth Jars

Lascatz, you are probably right...those are likely a better choice. I need to see all these puppies in person and give them a soup servin test drive. That, I can do. Although, another thing I've now thought of is the slip factor on mason jars as opposed to mugs. Oh, I am such the worrier!

Thank you,
pup

Cut out soup coasters from a bit of nonslip cabinet liner. Make them colorful and treat them like a cocktail napkin under the jars -- they double as a hot pad if the jars get too hot and need to be moved.

It's very easy for me to spend other people's money, but what about these cute little bowls from Pier 1?

Here is a link that might be useful: Simple white bowls from Pier 1

I think the mason jars are a great idea. I'd use the wide mouth half pint size that are wide, squat and straight sided right up to the mouth, so there's no problem getting the spoon out of a incurved rim. Basically they are the same shape as ramekins.

Here is a link that might be useful: half pint wide mouth jars

I would rather people not carry their soup bowl of any sort balanced on a plate with salad. It could get slippery on the plate's surface from the dressing or moisture and if there are no grooves meant to keep the bowl from sliding, you could have a catastrophe. Not only would a spill be messy, but hot soup and lots of people could mean a painful burn (broccoli and cheddar soup is not wearer friendly).

People may not have the dexterity to maneuver and sit with a slippery plate topped by a bowl of soup. If a tomato or spoon starts to fall, someone may over-correct and cause a real problem.
As a former experienced waitress, I can tell you it is an acquired skill and not for everyone. Even a pro can have an accident. We all have our tray of bloody marys story.... sigh....
If any of your guests drink, then multiply my warning.

I'd hope that the soup and salad were transported separately for safety's sake.

A couple people on the Cooking forum have annual soup parties ... Doucanoe and Ruthanna come to mind. You might consider posting there for more advice.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cooking forum

I understand you're set on the mason jar idea (which is a good one!) but you might also consider simple 1/2 cup pyrex bowls. After the party they'll make great prep bowls and are also a great size for children. You can also get them with small, clear snap-on lids which are great for leftovers.

I'm coming to this a day late, but want to offer that when we've done this, we've used mugs which we bought by the case. The handles make it easier and safer to carry them, I think. I worry about the mason jars if the soup is hot.

Crate and Barrel has Tom & Jerry sets (below) for $13 each, which is about the price of a case of canning jars and the best priced ones I found on a quick search, so I see the appeal, but I think you're going to need some kind of holder for the mason jars.

You can get a case of wide mouth cappuccino or soup mugs for not much more than the jars (try restaurant supply stores). Maybe not as cute as the jars, but easier to carry safely. Also, with this kind of soup party, people like to lift the soup container to help avoid spills, especially when they're sitting on soft furniture.

Not quite as good as a mug, is a handled soup bowl, like an onion soup bowl. Katom, which I found linked through RHome410's blog, has these for three and a half dollars:

{{!gwi}}

And this in lots of colors for four and a half dollars:

{{!gwi}}

They also have these mugs, which also come in several colors, which are a good shape for soup, on sale for about $3.65 apiece (sold by the dozen):

{{!gwi}}

I'm sure you can find something similar at your local restaurant supply store.

Thanks everyone!!! Good ideas all around. Plllog, love all the pictures and especially LOVE those Tom and Jerry ones...but can't afford em.

This is what I'm thinking now. I like the size of the bowls that Chocolate Bunny posted. It says they are only 4-1/4 inches wide...sounds like little guys. I really didn't want to use "white" dishes at Halloween cause I have some pretty fall colored plates that I wanted to use with whatever soup vessels I ended up with. But, I also have a ton of white Corelle dishes that I could pair with this little soup bowl. To give me the fall color and some added stability on the slippery Corelle plates, I think I will cut out the soup coasters that Lascatz mentioned. I could get fall colors to give my white dishes some punch. I don't think any of this will cost too much either.

That's where I'm leaning now. I've even called Pier One and asked them to hold twelve for me. Oh, and BTW, this party will be all ladies so I think the little bitty bowls will be great. It's not like there will be some ravenous big ole guys trying to eat out of these small bowls.

Thanks again. I appreciate you ALL!
pup

I think tying a western type of kerchief or some fabric strip similar around the jar would be adorable especially for the chili. Doesn't sound too labor intensive and the cuteness factor is off the charts for our little Martha... : ))

Gr8day, no, NO. Stop tempting me with the cuteness factor. LOL! I know the kerchiefs would be adorable, and even though I'm no Miss Martha, I do ADORE adorable. But, the bitty bowls would be more practical.....I think. I'm out-of-town right now so I've not seen either the bowls or the mason jars in person. I do think the coasters on the plate are a good idea no matter which way I go.

Thanks Gr8day. And again, thanks to ALL who have taken the time to respond. Ya know, I'm just gonna say this. Most of the time these days I have a bit of a pessimistic take on our world. We do seem to be living in a crazy one. But, to see all the nice people on this forum who respond to questions, even to this somewhat lame one of mine, well, it warms your heart.

best to all,
pupper

I have a question, pup. I am assuming that each guest would have one bowl, and not a bowl for each soup. Would each person be able to rinse out her cup, to keep the flavor of each soup? Would it matter? Some folks might care and others not?

A rimmed pasta bowl would be nice so that bread could perch on the rim and the salad could be crudites.

Corningware also makes handled mugs and small bowls with handles like pllog posted - I think their french white collection for a few dollars each at Walmart, etc.

What about assorted tea cups from the thrift or antique store?

Westsider40, very good question. Me, I wouldn't care if the two soups "tocuhed", but you know some people would. I think I will get extra bowls for the fussy ones. HA! Or, like you mentioned, some people might just go to the sink and rinse their bowl. That's fine...this is a casual party. Hmmmm, I was thinking of having a vegetable platter along with curry dip for appetizers...also would have a couple of calorie laden choices, too. Maybe I could skip the green salad. I will consider that idea. Thanks.

Ahhh, tea cups would be cute...but maybe a little delicate. I will check on that. And as I think I mentioned earlier, I am out-of-town and not been able to get to any store to check out these ideas. When I see things in person, I think it will be become more clear what will work the best.

Thanks. Hey, you guys want to come over for a soup party?
Come on....but please bring your own bowl. HA!!!!!!

pup

The Crate and Barrel Outlet has a good selection of mugs at attractive prices. The ones in the link would be ideal for what you are trying to do-8 ounces-anything smaller would be hard to handle. Match them with whichever white plates suit your fancy and you're ready to go.

Here is a link that might be useful: Crate and Barrel Outlet Mugs

I agree with mnerg. We serve soup in ramekins all the time.
Have fun, sounds like a great party!

Here is a link that might be useful: ramekins on amazon

Oooops, that should have read, "wouldn't care if the two soups TOUCHED." Obviously the reading glasses I have on now are better then the ones I had on earlier.

Well, there's always these, of course: $14 for a dozen:

Here is a link that might be useful: handled Ball jars

You could always switch to using the ball jars for the ice tea or adult bevs.. : )

If you do not want to do so many dishes, scooped out pie size pumkins work well to and not hot to hold. have a great party!