It’s become a much-anticipated holiday tradition in Marion, and a great showcase of talent for area designers, florists and decorators.

The Sippican Woman’s Club Annual House Tour, now in its 27^th year, will be held Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour will feature five homes, opened up for visitors and decorated for the season.

Deb Bush, one of the club’s two vice presidents, said the tour isn't possible without the generosity of homeowners and businesses.

“We keep the tour going each year and it’s been amazing,” Bush said. “We have about 300 people who attend each year. And we have to thank the businesses who donate time during one of the busiest times of the year.”

Local businesses will decorate the participating houses using homeowners’ suggestions and with their own creative flair.

For the past 13 years, Eden Landscapes owner Steve Gonsalves has volunteered. This year he will decorate three homes and is looking forward to the task.

“It’s for a great cause. How could I say no to these beautiful ladies?” he said, adding, “I love doing the tour because it lets me be creative. It’s a challenge every year to go into a different home and come up with a new style.”

While Gonsalves will have three homes to work with, a team of designers and florists will focus on one “eclectic” property, according to Anthi Frangiadis, of Anthi Frangiadis Associates.

“There are a lot of antique pieces in the home,” she said. “The owner is a sophisticated collector, a world traveler and a family man.”

Diane Kelley, owner of DK Interiors, will design different holiday vignettes for the home. Bunny Mogilnicki, of Bunny’s Bouquets in Rochester, will provide floral arrangements and Cecily Balboni of Serendipity by the Sea will assist with design as well.

“The challenge when it comes to designing is to make sure the space suits a person’s personality and what their needs are,” Kelley said.

Sharon Monteiro and Chris Dole will have a contemporary home to work with. Monteiro, owner of Always in Bloom flower and gift shoppe, and Dole, a retired interior designer, plan to use the season’s “in” colors to turn a summer rental into a festive place.

Using a color scheme that includes chartreuse and ice blue, the two look forward to creating a “new” look for the holidays.

“The house won’t be done up in the traditional red and green. We want to go for a contemporary look. It’s a beach house and the colors will reflect that,” Dole said.

Monteiro, who has participated in the tour in the past, said, “This year will be exciting. We’re looking to do tradition, but with a twist.”

Proceeds from ticket sales will be used for student scholarships. Last year, club members awarded nine scholarships to local students between $500 and $1,000.

Tickets are $20 before the event. They may be bought at Serendipity by the Sea, The Bookstall and the General Store in Marion, and at Isabelle’s in the Ropewalk shops in Mattapoisett. On the day of the tour, tickets may be purchased for $25 at Coldwell-Banker Real Estate at 152 Front St., Marion.

For more information, call 508-748-1924 or visit www.sippicanwomansclub.org.