A few years ago when I was staying with my friend Melissa’s family in Rome, they used to bring out a bowl of these beautiful little satsuma oranges at the end of the meal for dessert. I love that these oranges were a refreshing, little delight after a meal.

Again, when I visited my brother Brian who studied abroad in Milan last year, I remember he used to have little oranges in his pockets as snacks.

Needless to say, when I think of little oranges, I think of Italy, which always brings pleasant thoughts!

Just as I adore apples with their stems and leaves still attached, so do I also adore these satsuma oranges with their leaves attached. They are so beautiful to paint…the bright oranges contrasting with the vibrant, verdant greens…mmm!

Orange Invitation is now available in the Hand-Painted Weddings Invitation shop.