Etiquette books say guests should never see your paper towels (the horror!). Thus ends your love affair with the Brawny Man.

Luckily, we found a better-looking replacement: Artgoodies tea towels.

Chicago-born artist Lisa Price spent her childhood summers canning and gardening with her grandma, developing a fondness for nature and ’50s motifs. Today, armed with a B.F.A. in printmaking and a home studio, she prints her linocut block designs onto super-absorbent cotton tea towels.

The bright palette (magenta, red, navy, green, maroon) and lively images will add flair to any kitchen. Choose from animals (deer, rabbits, squirrels, birds), cupcakes, bicycles, diamond rings, and slices of pie.

A snowflake or cabin chamois makes an affordable stocking stuffer. Go ahead and throw in the towel.

Available at Whole Foods Market, 1550 North Kingsbury Street, at Sheffield Avenue (312-587-0648 or wholefoodsmarket.com); online at etsy.com. To see styles, go to artgoodiesonline.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Artgoodies