Unique & Beautiful Thrifted Items You Can Use To Grow Paperwhites

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Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus) are traditional Christmas favorites because they're easy to grow indoors for beautiful winter blooms. These flowers are close relatives of daffodils. The bulbs can be forced to grow indoors any time of year, but they're especially popular around Easter and Christmas. You can create a lavish display of dozens of bulbs or plant just a few in a small container. They can be grown in almost any container, using either soil or water. The ability to grow paperwhites without soil expands your container options because they don't need drainage holes. You just need to allow enough room for the roots to grow.

Whether you use soil or water to force the bulb will affect your choice of container. The only exception to this is that there are some paperwhite varieties, such as 'Inbal', that do better in soil. We've rounded up 10 unexpected containers you can find at the thrift store to grow paperwhites, such as teacups, baskets, jars, and egg cups. Some will be easy to find, while you may have to hunt down others. But you're guaranteed to find something that will suit your style and budget.

These vases are pinched at the neck and designed for forcing bulbs indoors. Though they're often marketed as hyacinth glasses, they work well with paperwhites, too. Because the upper part of the vase is intended to hold the bulb in place, you won't need soil or pebbles to keep the roots anchored. This is good for a simple, classic display. These vases can be hard to find at thrift stores, but any vase with a small opening at the top will do. 

Thrift stores are a great place to find interesting and unique bowls that will be suitable for forcing paperwhites. Almost any bowl will do, from china serving bowls to galvanized steel. Look for bowls that match the color or style of your room. Just fill the bowl with pebbles and add water to come up to the bottom of the bulbs. Keep the water level adequate so the roots are submerged. As they begin to grow, use bulb supports such as bamboo stakes to hold them upright. 

Large mugs are a natural container for paperwhites as they resemble small flowerpots, but without the drainage holes. They're ideal for growing paperwhites in potting soil. Depending on the size of your mug, you can fill it with several bulbs to create a centerpiece. After your paperwhite stems get tall enough, loosely tie a ribbon around them to keep them from flopping. If you don't want to use a ribbon, you can also say goodbye to floppy paperwhites by adding some booze to their growing water. 

Recycled jars make great containers for paperwhites. You can fill them with decorative rocks or pebbles and tie a ribbon around the neck. Any size will work, from the half pint to the gallon. You can even add seasonal decorations in the bottom of the jar along with the pebbles, such as pine needles or another type of evergreen cutting. If you want to gift paperwhites, repurposed jars make perfect free packaging. You can fill them with pebbles and put the bulbs in the jar along with instructions for forcing the bulbs.

Paperwhites on a bedside table look charming in a teacup. You can plant one small bulb per teacup and cover each one with moss. Add some extra interest by stacking some books and putting one of the cups on the stack. This will bring in different heights, a designer's trick for creating visual interest. Or you can put several on saucers and on a serving tray to create a cohesive tea party scene. 

Baskets make great containers for paperwhites, as long as they have a plastic insert that can hold the gravel or soil. Use wicker baskets for a cozy look that will last all winter, beyond the holidays. You can decorate the baskets to fit your holiday motif. Weave a red velvet ribbon around the top for a classic Christmas look,  or use a glittery gold ribbon to give it some sparkle. Round baskets will work well on side tables; for a centerpiece, go with a rectangular basket. You can also use a grouping of several mini baskets.

You can often find high-quality crystal at thrift stores for less than a dollar. If you can find a matching set of crystal stemware, it would make a stunning display. However, it doesn't need to match. You can use mismatched glasses and create interest by using different heights. You can use wine glasses as well as other types of barware. These would look fantastic on a drink cart if you're having a holiday party with cocktails. Guests could even take one home — they make expensive-looking party favors. 

Milk glass is beautiful and can be a valuable glass item, but it can be difficult to find a practical use for it. Using it for a paperwhite planter is perfect because it matches the color of the flowers. It also comes in many shapes and sizes, working well with soil, water, or pebbles. You can bring in some color with ribbons or a tray, however, the all-white aesthetic can work as well. Set the milk glass dishware inside an arrangement of greenery for a pretty tablescape. 

For a delicate change of pace, you can plant paperwhite bulbs in egg cups. Each egg cup is ideally sized to hold one bulb. These small dishes were originally used to serve soft boiled eggs. You'd put the egg in the cup, then crack it and remove the top. Egg cups can usually be found in thrift stores, but if you're having trouble locating them, Walmart has a set of four for under a $1 a piece. They're perfect for displaying at a breakfast buffet or for a brunch party.

Wooden bottle trays were used to carry small soda bottles, and usually hold 12 or 24. You can use these to force paperwhites, as they resemble seedling grow boxes. Fill each section with potting soil and plant the bulbs directly in each section. You could also plant the bulbs in small jars and place a jar in each section.  This is a rustic display that will look fantastic in a cozy family room or den.