Easy Holiday Gift – Forced Bulbs in Vintage Containers

I’m not much of a baker, in fact I think I’m domestically impaired. So when it’s time to come up with thoughtful holiday gifts I prefer projects like this.  Forced bulbs in vintage containers are super easy and have great vintage character and a personal touch.

This time of year they show up in shops and magazines as part of holiday decor.  They’re nice for the holidays and brighten up a home during the long grey winter months. I like the idea of giving these for holiday gifts.  Usually, by the time I think of making these, I’m already in the car driving to see the person who I need the gift for! So this year I’m somewhat surprised and impressed with myself for actually remembering to make these ahead of time.

And there’s still time for you to do the same thing! This is one of the easiest homemade gifts I’ve ever made. I like that it’s a two part gift. The first part is the wonderful fragrance and colors of the flowers that bloom, the second part is the container you’ve planted them in.

First you need to buy a bunch of bulbs. I like Paperwhite ( Narcissus) and Amaryllis bulbs, as they’re the easiest and fastest to grow. These can be found at local garden centers, grocery stores and even discount stores. Or if you have time you can order online from suppliers like White Flower Farm or  Amazon.

Tarnished thrift store silver bowl shines up nicely!

Next find the containers you want to use. I found some neat vintage silver and pewter bowls  at Goodwill. One pewter bowl was a Yacht club sailing trophy! Vintage ceramic and glass containers are plentiful and affordable at both thrift stores and yard sales. I also like clear glass containers with the bulbs planted in pebbles (see below – from Real Simple magazine)

Photo –  Real Simple

The bulbs I used were 99 cents each from my local garden center (Plants Unlimited in Rockport, ME) The folks at this shop are super nice and had several print-outs with instructions for the best way to force bulbs to bloom for the holidays. Here’s the one I used (Bulb Planting Tips – PDF ) I also found cheap amaryllis bulbs at the grocery store in a kit ($5.99). I used the soil and bulb and recycled the ugly plastic tub. This is such a quick and easy gift to make, just a few minutes and your done.

First fill the container you choose with a few inches of soil or pebbles. Then place the bulbs in bottom (root side) down.  Containers without holes work best. Water lightly if planted in dirt.

I topped most of my bulbs off with moss that I had leftover from my Terrarium project and on  another one I used white sea shells that I collect during my beach walks. I think pebbles and sea glass would look nice in a clear glass container.

Hope you find time to  make a few of these to give as gifts or to use as decoations in your own home. In a few weeks they will be blooming bright and fragrant.

Here are a few links to resources and inspiration.
Real Simple magazine has a nice article (here) on how to force bulbs.
Apartment Therapy – Thoughtful DIY Gift: Paperwhite bulbs
Design Sponge – We like it wild
Gardener’s supply Company – Growing bulbs indoors