I think they may be both too warm and too dry. Can you replant them yet? That would be your safest option and as long as the ground has not frozen solid it's not too late. Otherwise I would store them in peat or wood shavings in a plastic container or bag so that they do not dry out as much... But still I think planting would be the best option!

Definitely get them in the ground. Or if you are unable to do that, pot them in containers. As I stated in your other post on this subject, lily bulbs never go fully dormant and deteriorate rapidly if out of the ground and exposed to air. They can be kept longer in a controlled chill environment but unless you know what you are doing, they are better off being planted ASAP.

Thank you both so much for your replies. They are now in large pots on my deck and hopefully will be ok. One more question. Rain is in the forecast for the next few days - will they be alright in wet soil or should I move the pots out of the rain?

Thanks again - these bulbs really mean a lot to me!

Lily bulbs do not have the same sort of coat as (for example) daffodil bulbs, and will dry out if stored out in the open. Newspaper is very drying, as you discovered. If they are to be moved, then they need to be placed into moist peat or moist soil until they can again be planted. The less time they spend out of soil, the better.

They like to be left alone for a long time when they have been planted, and only disturbed when they get over-crowded. I think they will be fine in your large pot out in the rain. (I am guessing it is well drained and you have removed any saucer.)