One of my friends presented me with two forced paper white narcissus bulbs a few weeks ago. The bulbs had barely started to sprout, but they'd sunk down roots into the watery pebbles in their container. Then, a few days before our annual holiday party, the bulbs had a growth spurt, and sprouted delicate, white flowers for the party. What perfect timing! Unfortunately, some of the other bulbs that I'm forcing look like they're going to bloom right around Christmas — when I'm in Wisconsin visiting my extended family.

Have you forced any bulbs this holiday season? Have you made it a tradition to do so? If not, what holiday flowers do you decorate with? Do you have favorites, or do you range all over the floral map?