Whether you choose one for yourself - for the living room, kitchen, or front hall - or for family and friends, you're sure to be pleased with your new artistic wall decor!

Big or small, painting or photograph, a canvas print is an excellent alternative to a framed print. By forgoing the heavy frame and breakable glass, you get a simple, modern artwork that will last for decades. The true texture of the canvas gives paintings an authentic look, and adds dimension and interest to photographs.

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 for your Cinco de Mayo:

• Snoop around their house. Not into drawers and closets, but try to get a feel for the decorating scheme. If they like simple wallpapers and light shades, go for a picture in this same vein. Are they more into bold colors and styles? Choose a photo that reflects this wilder version of their personality.

• Bring up home decor-related conversations, and then listen. Do they mention an area they wish was better decorated? How about a color scheme in the planning stages? If a blank wall is a subject of despair, sneak a measurement so you can order an artwork of the perfect size.

• If you're unable to browse yourself, make use of your own knowledge or chat with other people who know them. What hobbies does the lucky person enjoy? A beautiful mountain vista may be the perfect choice for an avid climber, while a bucolic country or forest scene suits people who just love to commune with nature.

• 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 suits the holiday? Some beautiful Mexican artwork, an image of iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, or a photograph from a previous Cinco de Mayo celebration could make a perfect seasonal gift the recipient can hang every year.

• Once you've settled on the image, consider the presentation. Do they already have a number of canvases hanging in the home? If so, you might choose to stick with that display, 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!

ORDERING

Our general production turnaround chart is shown below.

HISTORY OF CINCO DE MAYO

Today, however, the day is no longer a national holiday, though public schools are closed throughout the country. In the state of Puebla, where the battle took place all those years ago, and the neighboring state of Veracruz, the day is still recognized as a full holiday.

In various locales around Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with parades and speeches. Puebla's parade brings tens of thousands of participants, who wind down the Boulevard Cinco de Mayo. Some cities, particularily Puebla, reenact the battle. Many American cities also have their own ways of celebrating the day.

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