As you can see from the picture below, the only juice in the Steece household is from Simply Orange Juice Company. So when I was presented with the opportunity to review the brand new Simply Cranberry Cocktail ~ I jumped at the chance!
(No lie- we had Simply Lemonade® with Raspberry, Simply Limeade®, Simply Orange®, and Simply Lemonade® in our refrigerator before we even knew about the Simply Cranberry Cocktail review! They are staples in our fridge.)
The peeps from Simply Orange Juice company were kind enough to send some free coupons, and I was off to the store to plan my “Spring Fling with Cranberry Zing” party!
I had a blast scouring the pages of Pinterest (look me up!) to find various recipes that would compliment my Simply Cranberry Cocktail. I even created a Cranberry Party Board!
Here was my spread:
…and I like this picture because it represents OUR reality--a pretty dinner table filled with yummy food for a party. Oh, and please pay no attention to the toy cars and train table in the background.
The MENU:
The Autumn Chopped Salad was UH-MAY-ZING with dried cranberries, pears, pecans, bacon, etc! Definitely a crowd pleaser and my personal favorite food item of the evening.
OH. MY. GOOD. GAWSH. Cranberry Baked Brie. I’ve died and gone to heaven. You must make this and you must make it NOW.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the Cranberry Chicken Wings & Drummettes. The glaze had good flavor~ but I think the meat would taste better grilled verses baked.
YUMMMM…the Slow Cooker Cranberry Barbeque Meatballs were DELISH and Joe’s fav!
Ashley (my sis-in-law) and myself, trying them out! Sweet and tangy.
Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies. One of my new favorite recipes!
If you’re tired of baking the same ‘ole Chocolate Chip~ you should definitely try these chewy, delightful cookies. They’ll disappear within minutes!
6 happy little party goers, giving the cookies 12 enthusiastic thumbs up! (Andrew, Savannah, Ethan, Kinley, Benjamin, & Madelyn)
“Gosh Suz, thanks so much for taking a pic of us while stuffing our faces with food…” Can you see the daggers in their eyes? LOL. (Liz & Ashley)
And now on to the drinks…
Jess, Liz, and I loved our Cosmos! It was the perfect combination of cranberry juice cocktail, orange juice, and lemon-lime soda.
This picture isn’t forced and awkward or anything…LOL. Joe, Ed, and Collin with their Cranberry Vodkas.
Crisp, cool, and refreshing…even better when you serve chilled in an Aggie tumbler. (tee hee)
Of course I had to make “kiddie cocktails” for the wee little ones!
CHEERS! Me and my sweet Savi.
All smiles for the Cranberry Kiss!
Speaking of kisses…I stole some sugar from my adorable little nephew Sawyer!
And for the party favors, I wrapped up some of those yummy Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies for my guests to take home.
We had a blast getting together with our family & friends. Thank you BlogHer and Simply Orange Juice Company for funding our Cranberry Partaaay! The food was amazing and the drinks were even better!
I am definitely a fan of the new Simply Cranberry Cocktail and here’s why…
1. REFRESHING TASTE~ I am SUPER picky about my cranberry juice because more often then not, it is waaaaay too tart. Simply Cranberry Cocktail is the perfect combination of sweet and tart.
2. ALL NATURAL~ There are literally 4 ingredients on the back of the bottle: pure filtered water, cranberry juice, natural sugar, & natural flavors. NOT FROM CONCENTRATE. NO ADDED PRESERVATIVES.
3. SQUARED BOTTLE SHAPE~ I LOVE that the 59oz carafe fits perfectly into my refrigerator door! (FYI- Simply Cranberry Cocktail is also available in 13.5oz single serve carafes if you are always on the go--like ME!).
So, now I want to hear from YOU, faithful blog buddies!
Do you like entertaining?
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 the chance to win a $100 gift card!!!!!!
Rules:SIMPLY Cranberry COCKTAIL = SIMPLY AWESOME
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 bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
Go getcha some!
"Simply Cranberry™" is a trademark of Simply Orange Juice Company.
154 comments:
Holy toledo, that food looks TERRIFIC!
Entertaining is so much fun, but most of my entertain-ware is still in boxes from my recent move.
Whenever possible, I like to incorporate a theme (cinco/fiesta party, downhome/country style, etc) where the food & beverages match the cute decorations. Pinterest is a HUGE help in this arena!
My favorite way to make a party is with 15 of my favorite ladies...I think you might know them! ;)
I LOVE to entertain, because I get to pull out my "inner Martha Stewart" and go all out. I love making the table pretty, coordinating all the food, and of course, serving tasty wine. :)
Plus I actually get to use my dining room table..since my hubs and I usually sit at the coffee table and eat dinner ;)
I love to look at pinterest for party ideas! That is the best way to come up with fun stuff to make parties more festive!
And the Simply Raspberry Lemonade is my favorite juice out there!
i love entertaining in my home! and my favorite way to make it more festive is to make themed meals!!
I make sure we have great music.
hewella1 at gmail dot com
I love entertaining, getting together with friends is always a plus! I love doing all kinds of treats, they always brighten the mood!
https://twitter.com/#!/SnapCrackleTank
Lively music always makes things more festive!
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/200012584169127936
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
I'm not a big entertainer. I'd rather go somewhere and be entertained...but that being said, for the first time in my nearly 2 years of marriage (2 years on May 14) I am having a BBQ for all my family for Mother's Day. Hopefully I don't burn anything or kill anyone. ;-)
I like to play fun music...and have mexican food, because every party is better with queso!
I love to entertain! I think good food & drinks always make a party festive!
I love having people over and entertaining! Always looking for new things to cook and for fun things to make it more festive. My favorite is during football season doing all football/tailgating foods in festive bowls :) definitely need to try the cranberry yumminess you posted!
I love to decorate for parties and holidays! My boys (2 & 4 years old) especially love to help make decorations and it makes everything feel more festive!
Tweet! https://twitter.com/#!/katherinevw/status/200034431640141824
What a cool party idea! We only drink the Simply Orange brand of orange juice here.
It seems like every time we are entertaining, we make a pitcher of peach iced tea. It makes the house smell like peaches and people love it!
I love entertaining. I think that nice music and fresh flowers make party more festive
elena150980@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/200045788854878208
elena150980@yahoo.com
Simply Cranberry sounds simply refreshing on a hot summer day? Yum!
I always decorate the table to make the party more festive! Love these great new recipes!
I love coordinating decorations. I also love a good themed party with menu. It is about the food for me and trying new recipes, but of course the atmosphere is always made fun with decorating.
My favorite drink is cranberry juice with a splash of orange juice. My grandma started me on it when I was little, and I still love it today. I have gotten my son to drink it now to as long as I add OJ. :)
That last anonymous comment was from Heather in IN @ melody806@yahoo.com
I do a theme party with decorations.
rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
I think decorations really "make" a party... but that's because I think good food and drinks are a NECESSITY!!! Thanks for the great giveaway! I love "Simply" too!
thanks for the giveaway! love the pics!
i like a pool, bbq and great friends!
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/200215210861146114
I love to keep a theme for the entire party. I match my sons's outfits with his party themes. Thanks for all of the great tips.
i love taco bars. i get all my friends together for mex food!
https://twitter.com/#!/akronugurl/status/200244125327572992
freebiel0ve@yahoo.com
pool party's and bbqs!
freebiel0ve@yahoo.com
Amazing and cute party! Loved it!
I love to entertain by having a theme party sometimes I even ask people to dress up to the theme!
Looks like a great party with lots of yummy food and drink! I am also very picky about my cranberry juice. I'll have to try this one out!
I have been loving Pinterest for ideas too! I usually try to pull things together with some sort of a theme and go from there-
I like to entertain around sporting events and holidays so finger foods and party drinks are a must!!
I love cranberries so this was a fun post to read! I will have to go and get me some Simply Cranberry Cocktail! :) I've had their orange juice many times and it is great so I'm sure this will be too.
My favorite way to entertain lately is to BBQ....simple, easy, fun, and a great way to enjoy the outdoors now that the weather is getting nice again. And of course, I have to turn to Pinterest for some fun recipies and cute decor to spice up our gatherings a bit!
Morgan
mderaad3507@hotmail.com
music and decorations make it more festive
thepryfamily@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/#!/thepryfamily2/status/200272544224378880
thepryfamily@gmail.com
I like to decorate and plan food around the event, we have hosted poker nights, sporting events watching, birthdays, going away parties, showers, etc.
april
aprilleanne@hotmail.com
I like to play fun music...and have pot luck so everyone can bring their style with them
cindygaarder@gmail.com
I like to play fun musicand have a pot luck so everyone can bring their personalities.
I am a huge fan of Simply Orange Juice Company. I keep Raspberry Lemonade and Mango Orange Juice in my fridge at all times! I would love to be able to try the Cranberry Cocktail!
I loved this post! We are huge fans of Simply Orange Juice Company! We keep the Raspberry Lemonade and Mango Orange Juice in our fridge at all times!
I'll definately have to go and try the Cranberry Cocktail!
Oh Suz, I love how creative you are!!!
With that, I love to entertain. For me the simple way to do that is to make my guests feel like they are at home. I want them to be comfortable and have fun!
cranberry chicken wings? i'll need to try that one!
I love Simply Orange... yum!!
Do I like to entertain: Yes. If I'm in the right mood!
-Carrie
mollie_79@yahoo.com
Tweet! https://twitter.com/#!/mollie_1013/status/200332898530885632
-Carrie
mollie_79@yahoo.com
Wow, the food looks amazing!!
I love to serve any kind of chocolate desert out there.
My favorite way to make a party at my home more festive is selecting a theme. So, the decorations, food, drink, party favor and maybe dress code too, would all follow the same theme. It’s really festive and fun!
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/200338098138263552
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
I always have my four-year-old make a paper chain that color coordinates with the party's theme. It gives her lots of cutting, taping/gluing and pattern making practice! Plus, she is so proud to contribute to the decorating. It is always fun to wind the chain up the stairs banister.
Can't wait to try the juice and recipes!
with a great music soundtrack! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
https://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/200399081531645955 scg00387@yahoo.com
Pinterest for ideas, dollar store for supplies and lots of games :)
I love to entertain at home! I enjoy everything from a backyard BBQ to a fancy girls night in! Cocktails are always a must as well as good food!
Our family loves all the Simply juices as well! They are a staple in our fridge!
I tweeted this as well! :)
http://tweetmore.net/tweets/f446c8df25b342db
I love having parties and my hubby goes all out with the food
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/kj20082006/status/200472972165783552
I love to entertain and I love to cook. I love scouring the web to find new recipes then making a shopping list. Once everything is prepared I love displaying the foods prepared and watching my guest enjoy. It's fun to make recipe cards to pass out when the evening is over and know that next time you visit with your friends it's likely that you will see one of your recipes being used at their party.
I love to entertain. Planning the deocrations and food is so fun! I usually pick a theme and go form there!
Jennifer Czarnecki
lvczars@cox.net
Great party! I love looking on Pinterest for party ideas! My boys are turning 4 in a couple of weeks and all my free time is looking up ideas on Pinterest! BTW, I immediately made the Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe after reading your post. I had everything on hand and boy were they delicious! I say "were" because they did not last long in our house!
Everything at your party looks delicious! I like to entertain at Christmas time. It really gets me in the spirit.
PS We recently found out we are having quads, identical twins and two singletons like you! I have been reading your blog and it has been extremely helpful. Your kids are adorable.
I make sure to have some amazing finger food like cookies or cake.
decorations create the tone of things~ Thanks for a super giveaway!
My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/#!/anashct3/status/200894165704388609
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Music; there always has to be good music in the background; something upbeat. It's amazing how this (paired with a good party punch) really changes the mood of the party!
I love to make every day a little special. I use different cloth table cloths, pretty cake stands. I make almost everything at home, I can't stand processed foods (the taste or the prices) and I always "style" my spreads to make even the simplest food look really pretty and fresh and tasty :)
-- Malena
malenadh@rcn.com
I love to entertain at our house. We love having our friends and their kids over to eat. My favorite it in the Summer and Spring when we can sit outside, have a cocktail, listen to music and let the kids run around!
tweeted!
https://twitter.com/#!/maggiecraven
Wow your party looks fun and the food looks so delish!! I would love to entertain more but we have a tiny house.
mmm...I love Simply Orange! Gotta stay away from juice while I'm preggo--it makes my sugar go through the roof! But 3 more weeks until I can enjoy it again!!
The Simply Raspberry Lemonade is a family favorite every summer, and I'm a big fan of cranberry juice.
We have no idea how to entertain, other than an occasional Thanksgiving. We have a new grill, though, and we're determined to host a barbeque this summer. It will be our first party, uh, ever. Those recipes you listed might come in very handy!
-Holly in California
hmoore_ver1@hotmail.com
I love to say it with balloons and banners!!! :)
Oh, and you can't pick me because I'm Canadian and I'm not 18 yet!! :)
I like to hang decorations, put on some music, and make way too much dessert! :)
chambanachik@gmail.com
i like having a theme
karinaroselee at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/#!/karinaroselee/status/202152761029165057
karinaroselee at gmail dot com
Plenty of all sorts of desserts and music always help.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/202158413084508160
I turn on upbeat music and put out lots of snacks. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail
tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/syytta/status/202289271200157696
songyueyu at gmail
My Mom loves cranberries. I'm going to pass along that salad recipe and also the brie. Can't wait to try the juice!
Not looking to enter the drawing and this MAY NOT be the demographic Simply Cranberry is seeking...
As a nurse, I'm sure you can understand this...I had jaw surgery in February and Simply Cranberry was the first and the BEST thing I drank when I came out of surgery. It is just tangy enough to wake up a previously anesthetized person and flavorful enough to taste really good even through (sorry) the funk of a mouth that can't be brushed. Drank a lot of it during my recovery.
lots of games and foods
merleandtina@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/202555155294601218
merleandtina@yahoo.com
A decoration theme plus fun people. Also food and drink that is a bit out of the ordinary.
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/BBirdie2/status/202845374329798656
a good playlist and a fun and fabulous theme always puts everyone in the mood, also fun party favors :D
abitnerdygirl at gmail dot com
tweet tweet https://twitter.com/#!/abitnerdy/status/203182114403909632
abitnerdygirl at gmail dot com
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
I make sure to pay attention to all of the decor/ambiance details!
I love a mix of simple and fancy dishes - the fancy ones make the whole party more festive!
urchiken at gmail dot com
I am all about Island themes and juicing it up.
marybug2 @ yahoo . com
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/marybug2/status/203791045237014528
marybug2 @ yahoo . com
I always make the fixings for tacos and bring together people who don't know each other yet.
wolverina401 at gmail dot com
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.
i think almost every party or get-together needs a game of some kind
thismomwins@gmail.com
We don't have the opportunity to do much entertaining anymore, but when we do interactive games liven things up more than card games ever did.
chainmail (at)iwon (dot) com
I tweeted about this
https://twitter.com/#!/The_Sunshyn/status/204409900049244160
I try to stick with a theme, be it color, type of food, or an "actual" theme like a fiesta or luau ;-) I think the decorations help tie it all together!
This looks like some yummy fun!!!! I would love to be a winner! We enjoy pulling out the big grill....keeping the food simple but yummy and just having a group that love to talk, have fun and eat good food. We LOVE to include the kids as well......it is great to have a social even where we can all get together......
It scares me to make new things for parties, so usually I test things out on our home group. Lucky them, pinterest is usually full of yummies! I'm also turnings a new leaf and not waiting till the last minute to decorate. And I try to keep a theme so I don't try to do ten different things!
I love to host either smaller dinner parties or larger events like showers and I like to have the guests bring some favorite dishes to share. I try new recipes out when I entertain so it is fun to prepare, and good music is always a plus!
heather.m.holland@gmail.com
I love having family and friends over for dinner. I always try out new recipes. Thanks for hosting this give away.
Kim Armstrong
fortyish@rocketmail.com
I LOVE the simply drinks. I just tried the cranberry before you did this.
WE do alot of entertaining outside and that would add some DEELISH drinks for all!!!
I am no entertainer...but Maddox has a party of his own (complete with dancing and chanting a sort of victory chant) any time I bring home the Simply brand Rasberry Lemonade and I'm pretty sure he would feel the same way about the Cranberry Cocktail.
I used to love to entertain but I just can't seem to get it together since I had 3 kids. Kuddos to you! Maybe when they get a bit older it'll be a bit easier :)
Omg... great idea..... throwing a part based around 1 specific ingredient.. I think I may have to do this one day. All of the food and drinks you have pictured look/sound delicious.
Very neat party ideas! That salad looks incredible!
Cute party ideas! That salad looks amazing!
I love plugging up the Wii and putting in Dance Revolution
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/204792341222010880
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/204792341222010880
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I love all the Simply beverages!!
freebiel0ve@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/#!/akronugurl/status/204929444656316416
freebiel0ve@yahoo.com
I love to entertain and am always up for a good reason to have people over! Unfortunately, that hasn't been happening as much since we moved across the country, but I'm looking for that to change soon! Can't wait to try some of those yummy recipes out! :)
we don't entertain a lot but when we do - good food and music make it great
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
i tweeted here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/205267794697265152
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
We play a get to know you game where we share little known quirky things about each other. Fun fun!
kelliescamera at gmail dot com
tweeted here:
https://twitter.com/kelliechio/status/205520464313991168
kelliescamera at gmail dot com
LOVE the Simply line of juices. I'll have to try Cranberry Cocktail soon. Anyway, I love to entertain and to make things more festive I like to work with a theme (or color scheme) and weave that into food, beverage, and decorations.
tweet https://twitter.com/thismomwins2/status/206510221399572482
thismomwins@gmail.com
we love to decorate and keep the theme!
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/206803933484687360
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
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
tweeted :) http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/206814045498646528
deeg131 at gmail dot com
My favorite way to entertain is to have lots of different kinds of food so there's something for everyone!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/206928861638828032
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
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 food, nice dessert and drinks. Thanks for the giveaway.
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
I tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/ctong2/status/207023178965458945
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
I'M NOT BIG ON THROWING "GET-TOGETHERS" BUT WHEN I ATTEND THEM, I LIKE EVERYONE TO HAVE BROUGHT A HOMEMADE DISH & A BATHING SUIT (AT THE BEACH, OR A POOL, OBVIOUSLY). THESE HAVE SEEMED TO BE THE MOST FUN.
kytah00@yahoo.com
2ND ENTRY TWEET https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/207221883366674432
I love giving birthday parties.
Theme is based on a hobby or like.
Like my sis - she's a cat lover so party could be based on cats!
Thank you.
barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com
Tweet:
https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/207235988878143488
barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com
I make sure to have a variety of foods and drinks.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com
I love to add great music and lighting to make a gathering more festive.
gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com
tweet-https://twitter.com/CrazyItalian0/status/207632773756895234
gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com
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
tweeted
https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/208773032167215104
dmarie824 at aol dot com
tweeted
https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/208773032167215104
dmarie824 at aol dot com
Just getting together with family and friends makes an occasion festive. Adding good food just makes it better.
willitara [at] gmail [dot] com
Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/209056383923011584
willitara [at] gmail [dot] com
tweet https://twitter.com/prizepuzzle/status/209457535143514112
Fresh flowers always make it more festive.
Thanks for the contest.
We don't entertain very often. But like you, we LOVE the Simply Lemonade drinks.
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
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/jfong1130/status/209838746030456832
jfong1130 at yahoo dot com
I love to have parties at my house. I haven't had one in a while, but used to have them about 2-3 times a year. Good music is always key!
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/210034201116942337
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com
We have a theme for every event and encourage guests to dress accordingly.
mybeachylife at gmail dot com
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!
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
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/210396049146265602
We play festive music and put up décor that creates an ambiance.
nningmatey at hotmail dot com
https://twitter.com/LuckyDuckyToo/status/210517693059694593
runningmatey at hotmail dot com
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