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I have found the best palette is a piece of glass inside a Masterson Palette.  The Masterson is something like Tupperware so you can put the lid on and save the paint on your palette.  You can find these palettes at Michaels, Hobby Lobby or any art supply store or on line.  At Lowes have a piece glass cut 12 x 16 to fit inside the Masterson Palette.  Sometimes they have that size already cut.  I usually paint the underneath of the glass a neutral gray about a level 5 (Medium) value). If you are using just the glass by itself,  tape the edges of the glass with masking tape so you don’t get cut. I like this method because I can clean my palette with a razor blade to make space for new colors as I go along. When you use a wooden or plastic palette, you can't get them clean.  Eventually there will be built up paint and it will be hard to see what your color really looks like.  You do have to be careful not to turn the Masterson Palette over or on end while you have your paints in it. Keep it flat.  If you mix your paints on the paper palettes (throw away palettes), the paper goes up and down as you mix the sticky oil or acrylic paint which is irritating.  When you run out of room on your palette you have to get another piece of the paper palette to use.  Now you are working from two palettes and you won’t be able to put them both in your Masterson box to keep wet. 

As beginners, it is best to work with the three primary colors and white.  I use Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Blue or French Ultramarine Blue and Titanium White.  Below is how to place primary colors on palette.  Always try to use the same brand of paint because different brands have different intensities. If you mix brands you might have to learn how to mix the colors all over again.

After you get your palette set up with the primary colors, mix your secondary colors- Orange, Purple and Green.   Shown Below -shows you where to put your secondary colors on your palette.  In doing this method you will be ensured harmonious color and colors that goes together.  Always put your paints on your palette in the same place.  You will know where they are and pretty soon you won’t have to think their whereabouts.