One of the more interesting aspects of CSS 3 is the new Flexible Box model spec which essentially allows you to define how unused portions of block level elements are handled. Sound confusing?

The CSS 3 box-shadow property allows for drop shadows and other gradient-based effects without the need for images or other hacks. Box shadow works in Firefox 3+, Chrome, Safari, Opera and ...

There isn't a way to do specifically what you are looking for cross-browser / platform in pure CSS. I personally usually only style inputs, textareas & buttons in forms, everything else renders as ...