I like to use mason jars. They're just the perfect size for one bulb and would make fantastic teacher or hostess gifts.
Put a small layer of stones on the bottom of your container 1-2" deep. I use either aquarium gravel or a bag of stones from the dollar store.
Place your bulbs on top of the rocks, root side down and pointy side up.
Put a few more stones around the bulbs for support. ½ to ¾ of the bulb should be showing above the stones.
Add water until the water is just below the bottom of the bulbs.
The best time to plant your paperwhites for Christmas blooms would be 4-6 weeks before you want them looking their best.