The holiday of love is just around the corner, why not show how much you care with these unique letterpress cards from Portland-based printing studio Egg Press? I’ve been a fan of their products for a long time, and am always delighted when they release new designs. I think any V-Day would be extra special with one of these sweet cards! The Underwear Bear is one of my faves – which one catches your fancy?

Valentine’s Cards from Egg Press: $2.50 – $6.00

A friend of mine recently turned me on to UK shelter mag LivingEtc by unloading about 6 or 7 issues on me. I’ve been poring over each and every one with zeal! SUCH an inspiring magazine! I thought I’d share the wealth, so to speak, with these Christmas decor ideas from the pages of LivingEtc. So, sit back, and get inspired! Be sure to stop on over to their site for more modern Christmas eye candy.

More images after the jump!
[All images from LivingEtc]

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Traditional Christmas trees not really your thing? Thanks to Thomas Hourdain, there is a great alternative to that big bushy green thing. These Sapinos measure 40 cm (15.7″) high and are perfect for someone who is looking for a non-traditional Christmas tree. The artist series features 15 tree’s decorated by graphic designers from France, Italy and Brazil. If you think you have the skills, you can even order a plain white one to “decorate” yourself.

Available from The Dirty Cream for $22

Sometime finding good Christmas ornaments can be a little tricky. While we have already featured a good selection of modern Christmas ornaments and decorations, here is a new twist on the classic glass bulb. We are Land Rich has come up with the great idea to put dried plants inside of a simple glass bulb. I love the end result. If you’re a little bit clever I’m sure you could figure out how to do it yourself, or you could leave it to the pro’s at We are Land Rich.

Available from We are Land Rich for $10 or a set of 4 for $36.

A friend of mine recently bought this beautiful inverted butterfly home a couple of blocks away from me. Not only does he have great taste in architecture, he also has some mad skills when it comes to gingerbread houses. This little gem is an exact replica of his home, with a couple tasty adornments added. Great work Luke!

Check out more photo’s of his beautiful MCM home on Flikr.

The fine folks at Hometta are offering up some free modern gingerbread house plans! This looks to be a fun challenge for anyone interested in mixing it up this year. I may just try my hand at it!

About:
To celebrate the upcoming holidays, we are offering a free downloadable set of plans for a somewhat smaller, more delicious version of Draft House by Hometta’s own, award-winning HouMinn Practice. The plans, as well as detailed instructions on how to build it, are available here until the end of the year. Additionally, one Hometta member will win a gingerbread house kit that includes all of the supplies required to build one Gingerbread Draft House. Existing members and anyone who signs up for a monthly or annual membership by December 13, 2009 will be entered to win the kit. The winner will be announced on December 15.

Click here to learn more about Hometta!

Every year I am on the hunt for a good modern contemporary looking Christmas tree, and every year I end up giving up and just going with a traditional fresh cut tree. While I will likely do the same again this year, I am rather smitten with these bottle brush tree’s from CB2. While I don’t think they could replace a traditional tree for me, if you’re cramped for space set on getting a minimal looking tree, this may be your ticket.

Available from CB2 for $39 – $79.

Let us know in the comments what you plan on doing for a tree this year!

I recently admitted to my obsession for all things felt. With that in mind, you can imagine my delight when I came across these fantastic felt Christmas ornaments by Filz. Available in a myriad of wonderful colors each ornament set comes with two 3.5″ x 3.5″ ornaments and a grey satin ribbon to hang them by. My personal favorites are the Schneeflocke ornaments (top right).

Available from Filz for $10.

Forgo the bows and ribbons – keep your gift giving simple and modern this year with these gift boxes from Publique Living. Laminated in printed vinyl of various wood species, these boxes made from MDF board elevate gift packaging to a higher level. No wrapping paper or tape needed. It almost wouldn’t even matter what was in the box, they’re so beautiful. Comes in three finishes and five sizes.

BoxWood Gift Boxes from Publique Living: $12 – $28

I AM SO EXCITED! I love CB2 (in case you didn’t know that by now), but my favorite things are always the Christmas ornaments and holiday decorations. My husband can attest – our tree is about 70% CB2. I think with these new ornaments it might get bumped up to 80 or 90% this year.

Where are your favorite places to get ornaments? Do you know of any other shops selling affordable, modern-looking Christmas/Holiday decor? Share!

P.S. Check out this great DIY mod ornament wreath over on the CB2 blog!

Modern Ornaments from CB2: $1.95 – $7.95