Anyway, here's a quick list of some decent resources aimed at those fairly new to CSS, designed to help you build better looking websites in less time:

1. Frameworks.

You don't have to use a CSS framework - but it can make things a lot easier and quicker (once you get it all up and running). Here's a good example of how it can be done:

Getting Started with the COMPASS framework. (This is the aforementioned intro guide over at Mashable).

Compass is attractive for the simple reason that it's an open source free framework, which boasts support for variables and mixins, flexible tools for ensuring cross browser compatibility, SASS-style nesting of CSS rules and plenty more. Don't worry if you're new to CSS frameworks as the guide has it all down in plain and clear black and white - including a list of resources to consult before diving in.

(While we're on the subject of Mashable, they also recently had this nice feature on CSS boilerplates, templates and resets a few days ago).

N.B. If you're unsure about which CSS framework to plump for, here's a nice overview of some key considerations for making the decision:

http://designreviver.com/tips/how-to-choose-right-css-framewords/

2. Shortcuts and 'tricks'.

Most people quickly realise that CSS sometimes offers multiple ways to get something done - and that at least some of them can often be super messy and time-consuming.

There's loads of tips out there on how to avoid getting bogged down doing things the long/hard way, but from an introductory perspective I like these two short summaries, each of which is just the right length so as to not be off-putting or daunting: CSSDOG and ITWALES.

3. More in-depth guides.

Once you've gotten a bit more fancy with CSS there's plenty out there to help take things to the next level. The only difference between all the various guides out there is simply how clear they are (screenshots help) and also how easily navigable. Here's two excellent resources:

• The Gorilla Guide (good when you know specifically what you want to learn)
• Smashing Magazine: 53 CSS techniques you couldn't live without (great for generally browsing and expanding your repetoire - lovely screenshots throughout)

That'll do for now I think - unless you have any others to recommend (if so, please let me know in the comments!)

The main theme is HTML5 (as it was with IE9), with the native support being the key point. In addition, even at this early stage, there seems to be plenty of relevant CSS developments including support for emerging standards of CSS3 multi column layout, CSS3 grid layout, CSS3 gradients, and plenty more.

Anyway, have a look for yourself over at IE blog - there's a nice (brief) video demonstration as well as an overview of the current state of play (which is in an early stage it should be stressed - development only began three weeks ago). No doubt as more specific details emerge we'll be revisiting this subject to discuss precisely what IE 10 will mean for users and developers alike.

But since December/January is also a good time for reflection and looking back, we thought we'd share with you a selection of our proudest achievements of 2008.

CSSBuilt.com recently listed EtonDigital as one of its favourite designs of 2008 while CSS Gallery continues to showcase two of our designs in its top 120 menu designs of the year.

Even as early as January 2008, EtonDigital was identified as a CSS trendsetter by WebDesignerWall. The same site also identified our Pod3.tv design as one of the best from the previous year in its 2008 retrospective.

All in all we're delighted with the positive feedback and plan to continue our hard work into 2009. Thanks to all whose dedication helped make 2008 such a pleasure!

The latest review, from Clarke Design, had this to say about the EtonDigital design;

'First Impressions; Outstanding - What a superb looking website. Well laid-out, clean and tidy, using the latest style. The colour scheme works well and is easy on the eye.

The search bar is by far the most important item on the site and it is bold, clear and so easy to use.

Searching for property; Searches work well, results are well presented and sortable. The detail pages are excellent, quick loading and very easy to read with lots of information.'

We would like to thank Clarke Design for their excellent feedback and the whole EtonDigital team for their hard work on this project. PremierFrenchProperty.com features CSS design, a Drupal CMS, and Google Maps integration.

To view the Premier French Property website click here.

Full review: Premier French Property website review

The first design - for PMW LTD, features a WordPress Content Management System, and has already attracted praise from several online CSS galleries (including CSS Mania). Since its launch, average daily user numbers have increased from 20 to 600 when compared with the previous design. (PMW is an Essex-based, BMW and Mercedes service and repair specialist).

Secondly, we are delighted to announce the addition of a new feature to Sprintbio.com, for whom we recently provided a new homepage. We have now added a WordPress e-commerce solution in the form of Sprinbio Retail, which offers an easily manageable financial transaction facility, with fully integrated PayPal services. Sprintbio is a leader in environmentally friendly and efficient home heating and power solutions - now complete with an online web-store.

Finally, we can also announce the launch of Air-Valid - for whom we provided Web 2.0 design and CSS/HTML programming. Air-Valid is a leading analyst of the aviation industry with operations across the world.

We would like to thank both the ED team and all our clients for their hard work on making these projects a success.

EtonDigital

Our CSS-driven design features a Drupal content management system, and fully integrated Google maps function. Client Gerry O'Neill praised the site as a 'superb effort', delighted with the web 2.0 design and sleek visuals. The current list of properties features everything from stunning converted farmhouses to cosy rustic cottages, specialising in the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne region of southern France. Click onto www.premierfrenchproperty.com to browse the great properties for yourself!

Dejan Levi