a fall themed dinner party

October 21, 2013 | filed in: diy, entertaining, holiday, inspiration, interiors

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

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inspiration for fall entertaining

October 18, 2013 | filed in: diy, entertaining, holiday, inspiration

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

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nashville

October 16, 2013 | filed in: life, travel

nashville | palettes and passports blog nashville | palettes and passports blog nashville | palettes and passports blogMy first trip to Nashville was a success. We spent most of our time eating and drinking, eating and drinking.  We frequented Broadway Street as much as possible, day and night, and squeezed in quick tours at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium before heading home. A few favorites – Noshville’s classic American breakfast and Hot Hattie B’s spicy fried chicken, the Redneck Comedy Bus Tour was touristy but hilarious (and BYOB), and for live music and cold beers The Stage, Tootsie’s or Honky Tonk Central. Next time I’d love to explore the 12 South and East Nashville neighborhoods.

photo credit kate zitzer

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apple picking

October 9, 2013 | filed in: life, photography, travel

apple picking | palettes and passports blogA few photos from last weekend when Marc and I spent Saturday afternoon apple picking with four of our friends – there were endless rows of apple trees and the sweetest tasting fruit, apple spiced doughnuts and homemade pies, creamy fudge, caramel apples and freshly pressed apple cider. There was a teeny tiny glimpse of blue sky, and there was a storm that rolled in and almost caught us. We had to pack up and run, narrowly missing the downpour.

apple picking | palettes and passports blogapple picking | palettes and passports blogIMG_6616 psapple picking | palettes and passports blogapple picking | palettes and passports blog apple picking | palettes and passports blogapple picking | palettes and passports blogapple picking | palettes and passports blogapple picking | palettes and passports blogapple picking | palettes and passports blogFor Chicago folks who want to visit, it’s called Kuipers Family Farm and is located on 1N318 Watson Road in Maple Park. It’s about an hour outside of Chicago, a few miles west of Geneva, and it’s right off the road with a big sign so you can’t miss it.

photo credit kate zitzer

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ARTober | custom artwork sale

October 1, 2013 | filed in: art, inspiration, kate zitzer art

kate zitzer artober sale | palettes and passports blogEarlier this year I had the opportunity to create quite a few custom paintings – a Valentine’s Day gift inspired by a favorite quote, a Dr. Seuss inspired painting for a baby boy’s nursery and a wedding present inspired by the bride’s new last name. Custom orders are a lot of fun. They push me out of my comfort zone and give me a chance to try new things – from a bowl of fruit to an antique car or a mural in your child’s bedroom, I am open to try anything. I do appreciate some art direction – photos, fabric swatches, magazine clippings or anything at all. These things help me visualize while I’m painting and will inspire your custom piece.

How does it work? Once you contact me, we will discuss your desired order – exchange ideas, discuss colors, sizes, materials, etc. I will give you a price quote for the order which will include a shipping estimate if necessary. I do charge a small fee for custom work, this fee is otherwise known as a commission. This covers any additional material costs and the extra time it takes to plan, sketch and paint a custom order – I really try my best to deliver exactly what you want! If the quote works for you, I will set up a custom listing in my Etsy shop, and once I receive payment, I will begin working on your piece. I have a full time job so I work on my art in the evenings and on the weekends. Custom paintings usually take anywhere from two to six weeks to complete. If you have a deadline, let me know. I am happy to work with you if I can. During the process I will send one or two progress images to give you an idea how your order is taking shape, and I will make any desired changes at this time. Once your piece is complete, I will wrap, package and ship it to you. If you’re local, we can arrange a pick up.

So now through the end of October I am offering a 15% discount on all custom orders. Already see something you like? I’m also offering 10% on all paintings available in my shop – including prints! Use coupon code “artobersale” at checkout. Custom artwork can be seen on my kz art + photo board on Pinterest. I also offer custom colors and custom sizes on any of my paintings. Interested in working together? Contact me at kzbykatezitzer@gmail.com for more information.

photo source kate zitzer

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