Filed In: holiday

gift guide for the traveler

This one’s for the jet setter in your life. How about that overnight canvas bag or that funky cosmetic case? I know I would dig that jacket in the cool cobalt blue color! What would you pick?gift guide for the traveler | palettes and passports blog

Find these items – 1 a pouch that protects your sunglasses in style – Rebecca Minkoff sunnies sunglass case from Shopbop ($75) 2 a notebook great for jotting down observations, reminders and inspirations of all kinds – field notes from Wandawega Camp Store ($12) 3 a bag begging for adventures near and far – canvas overnight bag from J. Crew ($36.50) 4 a four seasons favorite with a removable quilted inner layer – technical parka by Scotch & Soda ($203) 5 a travel guide with an insider’s feel – Field Guide 02 Austin Texas from Wildsam Field Guides ($17.95) 6 a large cosmetic bag with a beautifully vibrant floral design – hibiscus large cosmetic bag from Country Road ($39.95) 7 protecting your delicates and designed to stash in a suitcase – go clean lingerie bag by Flight 001 ($18)

kz by kate zitzer black friday sale

kz by kate zitzer black friday saleI’m having a Black Friday sale today in my Etsy shop – 20% off all artwork including prints. To receive the 20% discount enter coupon code blackfriday at checkout. Offer good through midnight tonight.

I will also be announcing holiday sales on Facebook throughout the next couple of weeks so make sure you are following me over there too! I’m so grateful for all of the love and support you have given me and my art these past few years. You have no idea how happy that makes me so thank you for supporting my small creative business!

As a reminder for holiday shipping – delivery in the U.S. should be mailed no later than the second week of December and International Mail should be mailed as soon as possible. If you have any questions, want something in a different size or color or are curious if I can make something special for you, just email me or send me an Etsy convo. Happy shopping and happy holidays!

2013 Black Friday COUPON CODE – To use, enter code blackfriday in the coupon code box at checkout (you will see the savings reflected upon checkout and when paying via PayPal).

diy easy hostess gift | painted wood bead coasters

diy painted wood bead coasters | palettes and passports blogPut a little bit more thought into your hostess gifts this holiday season and try this super simple diy! Homemade gifts are a great way to thank your hosts for the invite, and if you make them in bulk, you won’t have to stop and pick up a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers.

diy painted wood bead coasters | palettes and passports blogwhat you’ll need:

• 3/4″ round wood beads
• leather cord
• tape
• paint
• scissors

how to make it:
Begin by taping off the portion of the bead you would like to paint. Apply a thin layer of paint using a paint brush and let dry. String beads onto leather cord and tie ends to make a simple knot. Pull as tight as possible and double knot. Loop at top is optional for hanging. You can also add a third row of beads and use as a trivet for hot dishes.

diy painted wood bead coasters | palettes and passports blogphoto credit kate zitzer | more diy projects here

a fall themed dinner party

a fall themed dinner party | palettes and passports blogHosting small parties for close friends and family is definitely something I look forward to this time of year as the holidays roll in. There’s just nothing better than making a fuss over the people you care about!a fall themed dinner party | palettes and passports bloga fall themed dinner party | palettes and passports blogThis year I was inspired by a palette of early autumn colors – I used red, orange, gold and green for the tablescape details and florals. I wanted to create an atmosphere that was cozy and casual. I loosely arranged apples, pears and mini pumpkins down the center of the table and around large mercury glass pumpkins. Small touches included handmade place cards, diy napkins and candlelight.

Marc whipped up this apple cider sangria and we kept it simple with the menu – casual comfort foods such as chili, cornbread and baked mac and cheese. It was a really special evening and I’m so glad we’re making it a tradition – I’m so grateful for nights like this, close friends and I’m looking forward to many more parties to come!a fall themed dinner party | palettes and passports bloga fall themed dinner party | palettes and passports bloga fall themed dinner party | palettes and passports bloga fall themed dinner party | palettes and passports bloga fall themed dinner party | palettes and passports blog a fall themed dinner party | palettes and passports bloga fall themed dinner party | palettes and passports bloga fall themed dinner party | palettes and passports bloga fall themed dinner party | palettes and passports blogphoto credit kate zitzer

inspiration for fall entertaining

inspiration for fall entertaining | palettes and passports blogLast weekend we hosted a small fall themed dinner party for a few of our friends. We made chili and cornbread and carved pumpkins and it was very cozy and casual. After the success of last year’s party, I couldn’t wait to start planning for this year so here are a few of the simple ideas and recipes that I used for inspiration –

Top row from left to right:
– Sparkling sangria recipe from Sweet Paul
– This tabletop looks simple and inviting: Local Milk
– Three vegetarian chili recipes by Emma on A Beautiful Mess

2nd row from left to right:
– Easy cornbread muffin recipe from Smith & Ratliff
– Make this dried fruit bouquet and place them on each place setting for an extra special touch
– A modern take on a simple, harvest centerpiece spotted on Julep

3rd row from left to right:
– Colorful leaves and vines serve as table settings in this fall dinner by Once Wed
– These apple muffin donuts sound delicious! So many things you can do with freshly picked apples
– Mini pumpkins as sign holders from A Fabulous Fete

Bottom row from left to right:
– Fresh vegetables are the best for an autumn dinner as seen here
– Apple cider sangria made with fresh apple cider from How Sweet It Is
– Make a centerpiece from veggies and greens picked in the garden: Suvi Sur Le Vif