Well, aren’t you little miss (or mister) popular? So far, you’ve been invited to a dozen holiday parties. Your social calendar is so packed, you don’t know how you’re going to squeeze it all in. And after all those cheese balls, cookies and cups of cheer, you’re not quite sure how you’re going to squeeze it all into your jeans, either.

But that’s a problem for another day.

This week’s dilemma has nothing to do with pants and everything to do with plants.

Yes, plants.

Because a social butterfly like you would never show up at a party empty-handed. And while a bottle of bubbly is always welcome, a gift that keeps growing lasts long after the champagne stops flowing. Whether you pull out all the stops with a pot of paperwhites or simply give a stylish glass forcing jar with a single hyacinth bulb, nothing says “thanks for the spiked punch” like a little festive greenery.

But what to buy? And why?

For the traditionalist, poinsettias are always a hit. You can get them almost anywhere this time of year, but for a broad selection of colors and sizes, try a small greenhouse rather than a big-box store. Enchanted Garden in Brewer has the largest selection I’ve seen, but most floral shops and greenhouses in the area have them.

For a gift that keeps giving year after year, try a Christmas cactus. You’ll be surprised at how many colors are available now. Visit Greencare in Hermon for a good selection.

Let’s say your host is too cool for school. His apartment is all Midcentury Modern and the Christmas tree he’s rocking around just happens to be silver. Clearly, he needs something chic and minimalist. Times like these call for an understated succulent garden such as the ones available at Brambles in Belfast ($20).

While you’re at Brambles, a plant-lover’s destination if ever there was one, check out the living moss wreaths – a stunning choice for your Martha Stewart-esque friends. I couldn’t resist the yellow narcissus for forcing, which I’ve dubbed paperyellows.

Bulbs for forcing – paperwhites, hyacinth, amaryllis – are the perfect hostess gift for your goddess friend’s solstice party. I recommend the hyacinth forcing vases at Molly’s in Winterport, which show off the growing roots. They’re far more affordable than one of those lights used to treat seasonal affective disorder, and they’re like an instant dose of spring in the dead of winter. Take that, shortest day of the year.

Say you’re going to a party in the middle of a blizzard. You’re going to want to bring something that’s heavy on color – and well-wrapped. Which means you’re going to want to stop at Sunnyside Greenhouse in Bangor. There, you’ll find red and pink cyclamen and mixed pots that are full of vibrant, textural plants – some of which can be planted outdoors in the spring.

Miniature evergreens are a wonderful treat, but only if your host has a green thumb. That Norfolk Island pine may look cute, but it’s a tricky little guy. Save this and other small pine-like trees for the person whose house looks like a jungle.

If your friend Emeril has invited you over for a dinner party, splurge on a rosemary topiary or an assortment of potted herbs (you can even find these at the grocery store, if you’re lucky). Talk about a gift in good taste.

Showstopping flowering plants are always in good taste. I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t happy to receive an orchid – I buy mine at Greencare, but friends tell me Surry Gardens and Bloomin’ Orchids in Blue Hill have a nice selection. Gardenias and azaleas are also elegant options.

Still stumped? Just visit your favorite local plant shop – Sprague’s in Bangor has a great selection, and I also like Sweet Pea Gardens’ Little Garden Shop in Surry and NewLand Florist in Ellsworth. Even if you don’t have a favorite, it’s easy. Just pick out something beautiful and prepare yourself for the oohs and ahhs.

Just imagine how many holiday invites you’ll get next year.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329, or by fax to 941-9476. For exclusive online shopping tips, click on the ShopBlog icon on the bottom of the BDN homepage: www.bangordailynews.com.