Creative Ways to Gift Paperwhite Narcissus

There are so many creative ways to gift Paperwhite Narcissus. I love to give earthy gifts that people can enjoy during the holidays. With very little effort, they can be given as a kit to be planted when the recipient is ready, or you can give them planted and almost ready to bloom.

Giving Paperwhites is one of my favorite things with my dear friends Cindy and Mary Ann this week! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Are you ready to start decorating for the holidays, or perhaps you’re done?

The Items You’ll Need to Make Creative Gifts of Paperwhites

• Paperwhite bulbs
• Pot, bowls, jars, or simple cups
• Small pebbles or some potting soil
• Ribbon or twine
• Moss, sticks, and pinecones
• Mix of alcohol and water solution* (optional)

How to Put Together the Paperwhite Kits

1. Decide on a terracotta pot or bowl.
2. Add a small amount of pebbles or potting soil in a bag.
3. Add some sheet moss or foraged moss if using soil.
4. Consider adding twigs as stakes to help the tall stems stand straight.
5. You could add some small pine cones or berries.

How long does it take for paperwhites to bloom?

The approximate bloom time for paperwhites is anywhere from three to six weeks. Paperwhites that have green shoots need a bright, sunny window. 

Our old house had the best window for paperwhites. The house was built in 1900 and had original windows, so it was quite drafty. It’s not great for overall comfort, but fantastic for paperwhites! 

Now, I put them on our bar cart under a window that gets an amazing amount of afternoon sunlight and works beautifully. And we are nice and cozy too! 

*Paperwhites Love Vodka

Did you know you can stunt the growth of paperwhites using a little vodka? The problem with paperwhites is that they often grow so tall, and all their weight is at the top. 

When paperwhites are grown in a dilute solution of alcohol (vodka), they grow to only 1/3 to 1/2 of their expected height. The blooms are the normal size and amount and will last just as long as growing in water alone. 

Replace the Water with a Solution of Alcohol and Water

Terrain recommends seven parts water to one part vodka. Or you could use 13 parts water to one part rubbing alcohol that’s 70% alcohol. 

Continue to use the alcohol solution for future watering of your paperwhites. 

The Best Place to Buy Paperwhites

I’ve found that purchasing paperwhite bulbs from a local nursery is best to ensure quality. I always purchase mine at Terrain. They are easy to grow, and all you need (besides good quality bulbs) is a little potting soil, stones, and a pot or bowl. Place in a sunny location and keep watered. 

Paperwhites Make Great Little Gifts

Paperwhite kits are great hostess gifts, takeaway gifts at your next dinner party, or drop off to neighbors the week between Thanksgiving and the first of December. Or anytime; they are great for winter months.

Here’s a downloadable printable to use with your paperwhite gift

Click here to download the printable directions to put with your paperwhite gifts.

Bergs Scallop Pot // Green Stripe Bowl // River Stone Bowl // Paperwhite Bulbs // Frayed Velvet Ribbon // Preserved Moss // Vintage Café au lait bowl

Here are a few more favorite things I saw this week in my travels.

Baggu

Madeline loves the Sandy Liang Baggu collab with black bows. It sells out so quickly, but I loved this one from Urban Outfitters.

The original Baggu reusable bags are great stocking stuffers. They have a lot of options. I love the Silver, but I also like the Sailor Stripe bag. I always keep one in my bag, just in case.

Sheri Silver’s 48 Gifts from Your Kitchen

Follow my friend Sheri on Instagram for her 48 Gifts from Your Kitchen series.

One of my favorites: Marbled Chocolate Bar Bark

Shop Most Lovely Things

The shop is open with our latest French finds! Take a look here!

Let’s see what Mary Ann and Cindy found this week!

Classic Casual Home

Cindy Hattersley Design