A photograph or painting printed on canvas can be a wonderful way to "warm" that new home. The recipient will love their unique, personalized artwork.

It's simply to make your canvas gift truly one-of-a-kind. Family photo, fun candid shot, a destination they love, a copy of a classic artwork they've always admired. You know them well enough to find a beautiful picture - yours, theirs, or borrowed - that they will cherish and be proud to display for decades!

PICKING THE PERFECT GIFT

The image, the size, the display - these are all important things to consider when choosing wall decor as a gift. It should be something the recipient will love, not just something you'd like yourself! Here are some tips for selecting the best piece to give your friend or family member in celebration of their new home:

• Unless you've personally been helping them move, you probably don't know much about the decor scheme of their new house - even they might not know, yet. Therefore, something classic, without any difficult-to-match colors or strange dimensions, is a good choice. You don't want to force their decorating hand just so they can display your gift.

• Maybe they already have a color scheme in mind for one of the rooms. In this case, pick something simple that matches those colors.

• Concerned about picking the right thing? Consider ordering a small image. No less thoughtful or eye-catching, a little 10x10" or 15x20" print fits perfectly in the front hall, office, or stairwell, and won't take over. Or, if you really have no idea, you can always just ask! It might not be a complete surprise, but it won't be any less appreciated.

• Still stuck? Why not opt for something that's just between you two - a candid photo of you at a recent event, or even a picture of you together in their old house. That way it will play double duty as a reminder of your friendship, and a fond memory of the old place.

• Once you've settled on the image, consider the presentation. Do they already have a number of canvases to display around the house? If so, you might choose to stick with that style, or pick out one of our beautiful canvas floater frame to accentuate the picture.

• If you don't have access to the perfect image, or for any other reason you're unable to select a canvas print or frame, why not let them pick their own, on you! We offer Gift Certificates in custom denominations. We can send the recipient the code via email, or print a physical certificate and mail it straight to them!

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ORIGIN OF "HOUSEWARMING"

The name comes from a practice back before there was heating in homes. Friends and family would come to the new house and bring firewood to fill the fireplaces around the home. The firewood was their gift to the residents of the house, and all those friendly bodies hanging around were thought to kick out the evil spirits that may be lingering.

Other than canvas prints (which are bound to become the new tradition in housewarming gifts!), other classic host presents include:

• Bread, so their home will never go hungry.

• Salt, so their life will always have flavor.

• Sugar or honey, for a sweet life.

• Wine, a symbol of prosperity and good cheer.

• A broom, to sweep away the bad luck.

• Candles, so they will always have light and happiness.

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