Here is a festive variation of potato soup...

		Festive Homestyle Chowder 2 T butter 1 c sliced celery (about three stalks) 1 med onion 2 T flour 1/4 tsp ground thyme 1/8 tsp white pepper 5 c milk 1/2 c cream or half n half (optional) 3-4 lg potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2" cubes 4-6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 8-oz pkg Louis Kemp Crab Delights- flakes or chunks Melt butter in Soup pot on low.  Stir in celery and onion; cook and stir until tender. Stir in flour, thyme,and pepper. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Add potatoes. Bring to a boil; simmer15 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. Add bacon and crab Delights. Heat 3-5 minutes more. Serve warm. Note: This one tastes better if you let it cool a few minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together. Latest version: Softened onion and celery in butter with pepper and dash of salt. Then added clam broth ( sometimes I use chicken broth) water, thyme,summer savory, white pepper. Then add potatoes and cook til done.  Add half and half, milk, crab and bacon, cook just long enough to warm. Forgot to use flour but didn't miss it