The amaryllis is a show-stopper. But—you’ve got to get busy if you want to have the show for the holidays. You can usually find amaryllis bulbs in kits in grocery stores and in nurseries this time of year. They are pre-frozen and ready to go. And don’t worry: they look very grand—and they are—but they are simple to pot up and put around (so go ahead and let your friends think you have done something extraordinary).

Timing is important though. For years I’ve been potting amaryllis bulbs in hopes of having their majestic presence throughout the house at least from Christmas Eve to New Years. Some years it worked that way. Other years it became a Valentine’s Day flower (the one pictured at the top of the post), which isn’t a bad thing, just not what I had planned. Needless to say, I’m no expert, so here is a link to Southern Living’s simple guide for potting amaryllis bulbs for indoor use.

In terms of styling, I tend to keep mine simple—in clay pots or urns—with some pretty green moss to cover the soil. The blooms themselves are spectacular enough for me. But there are other lovely options that you might want to try.

Here the clay potted red amaryllis compliments the blue and white ginger jars nicely. And below, they look quite enchanting planted asymmetrically in a jardinière with maidenhair ferns and moss.

For something more natural, a shallow clay pot with pine branches and pinecones looks elegant. Or a rustic vase with lady apples, or even a bird’s nest.

Stylist Tricia Foley creates a soothing monochromatic vignette of white amaryllis, white pots, white hyacinths, and garden cloches. And below, the white amaryllis lined up on a windowsill look striking and sophisticated in glass amaryllis vases without soil. I found some at Gardener’s Supply Company if you like this idea.

I can’t resist ivy, and the urn below potted with several amaryllis and underplanted with English ivy would look perfect on a holiday buffet table.

In a classic, traditional room, the red amaryllis are planted in gold pots and placed on the mantel.

And here is the loveliest idea of all: Spindly branches with dried leaves and pods attached with twine and used as a stake (you will need one). Sublime.

And it’s not just the flowers that I love. It’s also the ritual of potting them around Thanksgiving and watching them grow as the holiday excitement grows. And even if I don’t always get it right, it’s worth it no matter when they arrive.

Happy Friday!