It seems I’ve been locked up in my home office for months now, finishing projects, blogging, and most importantly, writing my book.
With the end of April came my final deadline to hand my manuscript in to my publisher. And after months of hard work, I am proud to say that I am finally finished! While I will be working with my editor in the coming the year with layout, tweaks, and finishing touches, the bulk of it, and the heavy work, so to speak, is done!
To celebrate, and also to apologize for being too busy to visit over the last 4 months or so, I invited my close family over for a little impromptu afternoon Champagne & Cupcake Party.
It was nothing extravagant, but time with family is always special and my family, in particular, is fun. And because I’m not known for my cooking and baking skills, my husband went to our favorite Cupcakery, Velvet and picked out a dozen of our favorite flavors. With the deliciously rich cupcakes though, I decided to add Simply Cranberry Cocktail to the champagne to give our taste buds a little lift.
I used vintage eyelet doilies and table runners with my new pastel cupcake plates for a simple & Springtime touch. I left the table mostly bare so the ladies could work on a fun paper craft project to make use of our sugar rush.
Perfectly sweet, perfectly tart, Simply Cranberry Cocktail was a refreshing twist to the champagne and a great addition to our little celebratory soiree.
Made with not-from-concentrate cranberry juice, it was the perfect beverage for my 2 year old niece, Delilah. With no added preservatives and gently pasteurized, it’s kept chilled from the time of blending and sold in your grocer’s refrigerated section.
From Left: My sister in law Morgan & my niece, Delilah, me, my mom
Also shown my husband and brother
* Alexia Admor dress | black Avarcas sandals c/o Avarcas
What is your favorite way to make a party or get-together at your home more festive? Tell me about it in the comments for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 5/7/2012 – 6/6/2012
Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggersí reviews and find more chances to win!
“Simply Cranberryô” is a trademark of Simply Orange Juice Company.
Nosce te ipsum
The photos are so pretty. 🙂
http://nosceteipsum9.blogspot.com/
MyFashionInspiration
This looks so nice and cosy 🙂
My Fashion Inspiration
Anonymous
It is very awesome and Good Party.
Wayfair Coupon Code
Anesa
Nice photos =) The Coctail look really good.
Star Vogue
Looks like you all had a great time! Great post and lovely cup cakes! 🙂
http://starvogue84.blogspot.com
el_martina
lovely pictures!!! your dress ia very pretty!
Elle
Why do you use a high-end champagne like VC to drown its delicate taste in other sugars and flavors??
Chelsea Warren
“Perfectly sweet, perfectly tart, Simply Cranberry Cocktail was a refreshing twist to the champagne and a great addition to our little celebratory soiree.”
Yeah.. Great cut and paste from the marketing pack they gave you… Your blog shouldn’t be trying to shill juice, under the guise of a blog post, unless it BLATANTLY states that it was a paid advertisement.
I used to read this blog daily, now, not so much. I don’t want someone using their blogger/reader relationship, to try and use me as their marketing product.
You should know better than that. You’ve violated the trust.
Maddie
I agree with the post above… I used to read this blog daily and now it seems like it’s basically just advertisement after advertisement disguised (quite poorly) as a blog. Sorry to say that you’re now removed from my bookmarks.
Kristen Davolt
Music and decorations can make any get together a party.
The Macons
Oh I like to bring out bright table cloths, cloth napkins, and my tiny crystal salt and pepper bowls with tiny matching spoons! It always sets the “get together” mood for me! Oh and champagne, that definitely helps!
Every day's an adventure
People will complain about anything & everything. Man O man. Who cares what her blog is about. it is HER blog. If you don’t like it, simply don’t read t. No need to trow out bitter comments. Oh and for the record at the head o her post she states:
“This review is sponsored by BlogHer and Simply Cranberry Coctail. (jus sayin!)
That being said, I love the blog. Cute ideas all the time!
I think to make a party pop and be festive you need lots of color. Flowers, deco, plates, napkins. A bit of flare! 🙂
Chelsea Warren
Did some research, and it looks like they paid, and provided the materials, for female bloggers to host “parties” where they just HAPPENED to feature this juice.
http://www.blogher.com/simply-cranberry-reviews-and-sweepstakes
I’ll be sure to go through the list and remove anyone that has jumped on this bandwagon. It’s one thing to post a brand, or a label, or to blatantly say it’s a paid advertisement. But to pass it off as a random happenstance, is distasteful.
I hope this is a lesson learnt.
Pearl Sanders
I don’t understand why people think she’s passing this off as anything other than it is. It says at the VERY beginning that this is a sponsored post; don’t be mad because you didn’t pay attention to the disclaimer at the top of the page. If you aren’t enjoying the blog anymore, that is your business, but you shouldn’t make false accusations.
That said, I love the blog. I’ve continued to enjoy it every time I read it.
I don’t throw a lot of parties at home – if anything, I like to bake a couple things. That, with good wine and nice music, sets the stage for a really enjoyable conversation that with my family ranges from college to politics to science.
Güler
waaow! tribal dress is perfeect! and nail art of course:)
my diy blog—> http://gkdone.blogspot.com/
astr!d
i completely agree with everyday’s an adventure, she put it perfectly! idk why people go off on blogs anyway. just quit reading if you dont like it anymore!!!! plus this blog is meagan’s income- yes she gets paid to play with makeup, clothes, and all types of other fun things. geeez, dont be so rude just bc u are jealous!!! this inst high school!! (insert eye roll)
now, that business being outta the way- by the time i organize food, cake, invites, and managing the choas of having a party at my house, im pretty much spent!! lol i guess thats mostly bc the parties i host are for my kids birthdays!! but, if i had more energy and money id love to do pretty vintage serveware, awesome and fancy foods, candles, and music playing on the record player!
Kathryn
I think it’s the small details that make a party extra festive ans special 🙂
לסלי
You are AMAZING!
I love that you used the Hermes paper purses as a fun project!
I will never stop reading your blog 🙂
Good friends and good food are all you need to make a party festive!
julianne
tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/juliannerosenau/status/200223471874224128
julianne
I like to decorate!
vnssa906
my favorite way to make a get-together more festive is MUSIC! the right background music makes a hell of a difference!
xxxo,
Vanessa
vnssa906[at]gmail.com
Sarah
I think candles and music always add a little somethin somethin.
Cindy
We always play games that involve our teenage kids otherwise they just sit there and text..We also include and bring them in the conversation by asking them about what they are doing.
Cindy
ashion, DIY, Home, & Lifestyle Blogger in LA. Soon to be Author 😉 * Got questions? Find me on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/nnUaSc
I did the Tweet and like on Face Book cause I really, really like your blog. Tweet Tweet
aurorajoyful
Themes and games are two must-haves for me 🙂
Love that you incorporated a project.. great idea!
Lia
So fun! I love to include an activity, like you did with the Hermes paper clutch DIYs. That, and a signature cocktail make a get together super fun for me! Great job!
xo
Lia
Smart n Snazzy
The818
“Did some research, clicked on the link provided at the top of your post, and saw the totally disclosed totally insignificant truth that this post was sponsored by simply cranberry so that you can continue to write this blog I read daily at no expense to me. I hope this is a lesson.”
Good for you super sleuth. There’s a red “x” in the top corner of your browser — if something on the personal blog of a total stranger bothers you, don’t be afraid to close that window.
Maeg, thanks again for the lovely party. Dee and I use our Hermes bags all the time.
antique engagement rings
Simply orange is my orange juice of choice. I’m going to have to try their cranberry!
Laura
They don’t sell cranberry juice hereee :c
Those cuppies look delicious! <3
Annika
Maegan, you have the right to post whatever you want, but as another former reader, I thought you might want feedback. I, too, have stopped logging on regularly because you have so many adds. Not only do all the things on your sidebars slow my computer down (or even sometimes crash it), but I also find posts like this one no fun. 🙁 Too bad.
Justine
I don’t throw many “parties” per se, more like casual get togethers, but for parties I think it’s in the details – fresh flowers, a great menu, playlist, perhaps a great table centerpiece, etc.
Mawiyah
This pictures are amazing – you havebcome quite the photgrapher – I like to add crafts at my parties! If it’s mostly ladies – LOL
I’m sure you will, but P-L-E-A-S-E brush off those hater comments. Shoot – I’ve never tried this cranberry juice – but guess – I probably will now 🙂
Do you boo – do you!
Carrie
I love to have a theme to my get togethers to make them different and festive!
Natalya Steindler
This looks like it was such a fun time!! And those cocktails and cupcakes look delicious!! XOXO, http://www.NatalyasCloset.com
Ash @ Ash in Fashion
To make my home a bit more festive? Lots of lively, playful music, a few great treats, and inviting the right company over! Let’s face it, who we invite can make or break an event!
Nicole
Best way to make a get together more festive is with music and signature cocktails (alcoholic and non). I already love the Simply line of juices and use them in cocktails all the time.
Nicole
https://twitter.com/#!/NiksCocoon/status/200295224671617025
shannon
best way to make a gathering more festive is to have lots of great treats (but I’m a baker, so that comes pretty easily for me!)
senora lo
Great post! I love the glasses you used. I like to use special plates, cups, glasses, etc. to make our get togethers special.
Elle Sees
I gotta have an excellent play list
Kee
I love to have somewhat of a theme with the decor depending on the event/holiday/time of year. I particularly like when we can utilize our patio because we have such festive colors and a garden to enjoy. It makes me grateful to live in Southern California.
Sarah
When I’m entertaining it’s usually just all about the food, so I try to stick to a loose theme to make it a little more special than an everyday dinner.
Benita
I have that “Live Every Week Like It’s Shark Week Shirt!” I’ve never seen another one! =D
Emma (Glitter and Gold)
Congrats! I love your champagne flutes!!! Can you tell us where they are from!!
enhanced diamonds
Love simply cranberry… my favorite!
Ginger
I love to have some fancy kind of cocktail at my parties to make it festive!
Rhe Christine
I’ve not tried this juice but I probably will now! made not from concentrate is hard to find!!
I usually like to add homemade and simple items to my parties….mason jars with wildflowers as the centerpieces…sweet and simple
and don’t stop doing what you’re doing! you have an amazing blog and the fact that these people want to waste time saying horrible things about you just says how lame they are. i’m sure you know, haters gonna hate
Rhe Christine
https://twitter.com/#!/rhechristine/status/200332059196137472
Amy
My favorite way to make a party at my home more festive is selecting a theme. So, the decorations, food, drink, party favor and dress code would all follow the same theme. It’s really festive and fun!
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy
tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/200334054363627520
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
Kat
Mmm Champagne and juice! Delicious. You know what we do for family gatherings? We actually do the same thing, but we add fresh berries to the punch bowl to give it that “refreshing” look. So delicious with champagne also. Great for photo ops too 🙂
aneyeforfashion.blogspot.com
Anonymous
Gotta admit, this is one of the most forced and least authentic shills I’ve ever seen on a blog. I don’t know why, but I just didn’t expect something like this from you.
Anonymous
Love the colors and glasses……
Ali
to make a party or get-together more festive, I always offer a specialty cocktail and hors d’oeuvres that match the theme of the party. for cinco de mayo i served margaritas (duh) in red and green glasses, as well as mini fish tacos. both were a hit!
Anonymous
i like adding party music! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
Anonymous
https://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/200406166709346305 scg00387 at yahoo dot com
Rebekah
People who get angry that a blog they used to like has too many ads are spending too much time on the internet. There are important things to get angry about!
As for me, FOOD must be amazing and plentiful. If it’s a small gathering I love to bust out my favorite tea set or some cute glasses or a pretty wooden salad bowl (if it’s a big group I’m fine with paper plates and whatever tupperware the guests brought their dishes in).
Anonymous
I have always loved your log, but this was awful.. I am sorry. Just awful.
Jane
I feel for you having to deal with the jerks that leave these pissy messages here. I get annoyed about it as I blame them for your NOT posting more personal posts like you used to. Unfortunately, you were always criticized and attacked when you did. I loved them though. These readers just come across as so batty! So, a message to all those that “no longer read this blog” (but I bet you really do) GOOD RIDDANCE!! Anyway, Crate and Barrel should have sponsored this post as well as Simply, as I imagine they will have a surge in people looking to buy those flutes! The whole shebang just looks fab! Well done.
Jane
Not that I’m implying that you got those glasses at C&B – in fact, I’m fairly certain you didn’t. They were just the closest match I could find. Feel free to post where to purchase if they’re available. Thanks.
AJwearsClothes
I think the easiest way to throw a get together into party mode is with fun napkins! I like to keep fun napkins, plates, straws, even drink garnishes on hand so I can spice up a last minute fete.
jasmine
That Delilah is a little beauty!! My favorite way to make a gathering feel more festive is to pull out all my nicest dishes, glasses, and serving ware. It just makes everything feel more special.
Life's a shoe
this looks like a pretty and fun and new idea for a party! your pictures are so gorgeous
Jessica
I love having a theme to tie everything together!
jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com
Jessica
I tweeted too https://twitter.com/#!/jrwarfield/status/200605404277915648
jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com
Elizabeth
To create a festive atmosphere, I believe in over-dressing! If I’m in a cute dress and great shoes, I immediately feel more festive and it carries over to others.
drollgirl
well THIS looks like a fun get together! and i love your dress!
i used to hate cranberry juice, but for some reason i can handle it now. especially if it comes with champagne! 🙂
Jesse
I love your blog, really! But this post was a little over the top with the marketing. I have seen sponsored posts done well (On this very blog) but this one just seemed to by copied directly from the press release. You can do better than that and I think judging by the response, your readers except you to do better than that.
I know if I don’t have anything nice to say, you would rather I just shut up. I don’t care. This is meant as constructive criticism. Sponsored posts are great as long as you clearly state they’re sponsored and insert your own voice. You left out your voice, and your blog suffered.
Natalie
I’m sorry, but this reads like a commercial. That’s not why I read blogs.
Melissa Hansson pdxthrifty at g mail
I love to have an occasion to pull out fancy serving pieces. All of my dining ware is gorgeous and was chosen by me (no special, off-limits china in my house), but it’s a special occasion when I pull out the cake platters, the delicate trays, or the tea sets. I love that all the colors match or coordinate and I have tons of choices for every event.
coach outlet store
Excellent post for sharing. I will recommend it to all of my friends.
Courtney
My favorite way to get family together is just to do it on othe spare of the moment. Too much planning can be stressful, this way, you avoid all the stress and just focus on having fun!
wigget
games and partyware
Anonymous
Could do without the commercial. For someone who “can’t stand America” you sure don’t mind shilling to make a buck.
Ashley
I make sure I have great music.
hewella1 at gmail dot com
ashley2white
best way to make a party more festive- fun drinks, of course! 🙂
Anonymous
It is too much tasty and Delicious cake for eat.
Green Coffee Bean Extract
sy
I put out lots of snacks and turn on upbeat music.
songyueyu at gmail
sy
tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/syytta/status/201637021490491392
songyueyu at gmail
Anonymous
CHEERS TO YOU 🙂
chambanachik
I like to hang decorations, put on some music, and make way too much dessert! 🙂
chambanachik@gmail.com
Karina
https://twitter.com/#!/karinaroselee/status/202154702241140737
karinaroselee at gmail dot com
Karina
i like having a party theme
karinaroselee at gmail dot com
JC
Plenty of all sorts of desserts and music always help.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
JC
https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/202156928372183040
Katie
Having great family and friends around, plus a lot of champagne makes anything a party!
And I love all of the Simply juices…the Simply Apple is amazing 🙂
Tina
lots of games and foods
merleandtina@yahoo.com
Tina
https://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/202560699346587648
merleandtina@yahoo.com
Heather
I like making parties more festive by pulling out old school board games – Apples to Apples and Taboo never get old!
heather90c (at) gmail.com
Poppy (Project Gadabout)
Those cupcakes look so delicious. What a fantastic party!
Queenie
I am SO craving cranberry juice right now. And maybe champagne, too…
Judy B.
A creative theme plus good and interesting food and drink. Plus a good hostess and guests.
Judy B.
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/BBirdie2/status/202857055369957377
Kelly Massman
I like to make things ahead so I can focus on the guests at the party!!! Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
Wehaf
I love a mix of simple and fancy dishes – the fancy ones make the whole party more festive! Music helps, too.
urchiken at gmail dot com
Melissa O.
Good friends and homemade sangria!
wolverina401 at gmail dot com
cw
Can’t do much entertaining in the home right now because our house is sooo tiny, but we do like to have BBQs in our back yard (when things warm up more). The music helps things be more festive and I love to put xmas lights in the trees.
Tiffany Winner
i think almost every party or get-together needs a game of some kind
thismomwins@gmail.com
Tabathia
I love plugging up the Wii and putting in Dance Revolution
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/204795392397819905
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
akronugurl
I love all the Simply beverages!!
freebiel0ve@yahoo.com
akronugurl
https://twitter.com/#!/akronugurl/status/204924135724417025
freebiel0ve@yahoo.com
ms-texas
we don’t entertain a lot but when we do – good food and music make it festive
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
ms-texas
tweeted
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/205265349699047425
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
giakaylee29
i think music and candles and a CLEAN HOUSE makes the party more festive!
giakaylee29
https://twitter.com/giakaylee29/status/205412045691170816
tweet
tara1965
Pizza and redbox
tara1965
tweeted
Tiffany Winner
tweet https://twitter.com/thismomwins2/status/206510221399572482
thismomwins@gmail.com
MANDY83
we use a ton of decorations to make the party more fun and festive!
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
MANDY83
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/206807545355055105
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
Dee
I love making a party more festive by making cupcakes catered to the theme of the get together as well as themed ice cubes! 🙂
deeg131 at gmail dot com
Dee
tweeted https://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/206813546854612992
deeg131 at gmail dot com
Heather H
I think get togethers are always more festive with a signature cocktail!
Kerry
I like to make sure I have a lot of different types of food to suit everyone’s tastes.
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
Kerry
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/206942048820002817
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
Christina
My favorite way to make a party or get-together at my home more festive is selecting a theme but with simple decorations. I love to prepare homemade finger food, nice dessert and drinks. Thanks for the giveaway.
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
Christina
I tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/ctong2/status/207036651376091136
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
Angel Jacklyn
FOOD & FAMILY =)
CAN’T BEAT THAT! kytah00@yahoo.com
Angel Jacklyn
2ND ENTRY TWEET https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/207245176731746304
The Sunshyn
For non-winter gatherings, we love having a fire going in the backyard and breaking out the marshmallows.
chainmail (at)iwon (dot) com
The Sunshyn
I tweeted this
https://twitter.com/The_Sunshyn/status/207310263517581315
chainmail (at)iwon (dot) com
MCantu1019
I try to have enough food and drinks until the party is over.
MCantu1019@aol.com
Gina M Maddox
I love to add great music and lighting to make a gathering more festive.
gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Gina M Maddox
tweet-https://twitter.com/CrazyItalian0/status/207631561150054400
gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com
DeniseL
I always like to have a theme for the food & drink. We did a taco bar one year for my daughter’s birthday and all the appetizers and drinks were authentic Mexican too.
dmarie824 at aol dot com
Betty C
I like to have very casual barbecues or potlucks. I don’t worry about themes as long as I have a compatible group, good music and cold drinks.
willitara [at] gmail [dot] com
Betty C
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/209461522659934209
willitara [at] gmail [dot] com
Emily N.
tweet https://lovemaegan.com/2012/05/simply-cupcake-party.html
slehan
Fresh flowers always make it more festive.
Thanks for the contest.
slehan
Blogged:
http://slehan.blogspot.com/2012/06/win-100-visa-from-simply-cranberry.html
Linh C.
fresh flowers.
jwfong
I love having tons of little finger foods as the main course! You can have a huge variety of food to offer and appetizers are always delicious!
jfong1130 at yahoo dot com
jwfong
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/jfong1130/status/209842184093044736
jfong1130 at yahoo dot com
angie lilly
I cannot stress the importance of lighting and music in making a party festive! If either sucks, it can really ruin the night. I always keep the lighting dim but not dark…intimate with candles and string lights. I keep the music a nice mixture of dance/upbeat and lounge/jazz to try to appeal to everyone.
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com
angie lilly
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/210049226942590977
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com
ewhatley
We have a theme for every event and encourage guests to dress accordingly.
mybeachylife at gmail dot com
Deb
I do like entertaining and my favorite thing is to do theme parties. I customize my food, drinks and decorations/decor around a theme and everyone really enjoys it….I just try not to get too hokey!
purplelover04
I love having bring a dish party it help everyone feel like that are a part of it and it keep me from having to cook everything and every love to show of by bring the best dish.
purple_lover_04 at msn dot com
purplelover04
I love having bring a dish party it help everyone feel like that are a part of it and it keep me from having to cook everything and every love to show of by bring the best dish.
purple_lover_04 at msn dot com