A couple of weeks ago, before our annual Advent/Christmas party, I planted paperwhite holiday gifts in milk glass. I found the milk glass in antique shops in Guthrie, Oklahoma, where it is still inexpensive. Most of the containers were between $8 and $15. Depending upon the size of the containers, I planted two to five bulbs per pot. Some were planted in potting soil and topped with pebbles while others were just nestled in pebbles.
Paperwhites are easy to grow
Narcissus tazetta, which are not hardy in Oklahoma, look great in milk glass. They are fetching in a variety of containers, but this time, I wanted pots that wouldn’t drain. Because the milk glass doesn’t have drainage holes, no one’s table gets marked by water rings.
You don’t have to water paperwhites very much. If you’d like the stems to be shorter use the Cornell method of pickling your paperwhites.
Also, paperwhites are fun to grow in vintage containers. They are also basically fool-proof.
Pink and white milk glass containers. 
Some of the paperwhites I kept. 
The presents before the party. I kept some of the McCoy containers.
Friends don’t give friends ‘Ziva’
Longtime readers know I hate the scent of ‘Ziva’ paperwhites so I chose varieties that were more sweet-smelling. ‘Wintersun’ with its yellow centers is very sweet indeed. I also gave out ‘Inbal,’ a/k/a ‘Inball,’ ‘Ariel,’ ‘Galilee’ and ‘Nir.’
More about milk glass
For those of you who want to know more about milk glass, here’s a good article in Country Living magazine. I suspect many of the pieces I used were candy dishes that lost their lids to history. A great way to reuse and repurpose. I love pink milk glass best, but it doesn’t match my decor. Plus, I already collect too much stuff.
Hello, Spode dishes!
I only gave the paperwhites to people who felt they could take on their care, and as I handed them their gifts, I told them once the paperwhites were finished, they could either throw them away or compost them. Their choice.
Easy peasy and no stress. Plus, a living, guilt-free reminder of the holidays and our gardens.
A great and lovely gift idea.
Hey Gail, I thought it was fun. Aimee told me today that hers is just now starting to bloom. Just opening. I think it was because of the cloudy weather. ~~Dee
My mother collected Milk Glass and now I have it. What lucky friends to receive such a special gift. I love giving Christmas Flowers to my friends and family, thanks for the great idea and tips!!
Hi Dee it,s Carolyn in RI gardeninthesky. I use jelly jars with cranberries as the soil red green and white also give as gifts. On my long kitchen window I line them up love it
Carolyn, I would dearly love to see those. They sound beautiful.~~Dee
Hi Becky, I don’t collect it, but I sure like paperwhites planted in it. I especially love pink milk glass.~~Dee
They look smashing…funny about ‘Ziva’ though as I don’t have a problem with the fragrance. Like broccoli, either you like it or you don’t.
Layanee, and like cilantro. 😉
Beautiful gift and in such lovely antique containers….I hate the scent of Ziva too!
Hey Donna! Happy New Year! I can’t stand Ziva. It’s a dumb bulb. Haha.~~Dee
What a fun project! I know someone that collects these white pieces. She often seeds grass in them for Easter decorations. I will be sure to tell her about this. FUN.
Lisa, growing grass in them would be a great idea! It’s that whole green and white thing again. Maybe I will this spring. I once tried grass seeds in with the paperwhites, and that didn’t work very well for me. ~~Dee
These are the sweetest gifts! I love that you could repurpose milk glass.
Linda, it’s a fun way to use it. You could do it over and over too.
You are too kind and so very thoughtful. Love you Dee!
Hi Dana! Always glad to share. Love you too!~~Dee
Lovely gifts, Dee!
Thanks for the idea to write about it. ~~Dee