With over two decades and many themes under their belts, the Sippican Woman's Club hosted their 25th Holiday House Tour, albeit this time, with an island twist.

On Dec. 10, "Tropical Christmas" was the theme for the colorfully decorated "Handy's Tavern," complete with a Hawaiian bar, sandy beach and many, many Christmas trees.

Though it was cold outside, guests seemed at ease inside with the warm, island theme said club member Jeanne Bruen.

"I think that people enjoyed coming into the "tropical" atmosphere after being outside," Bruen said. "It's a wonderful mentality."

Each room of the Tavern featured Christmas trees designed by the members of the club. While most trees were decked out in colorful leis, others were crafted by club member Jeanne Bruen to represent each of the Boston sports teams. Between Saturday and Sunday, guests were able to place bids on the sports-minded holiday fare. The silent auction, club president Linda Elliott said, was a great success with all of the trees having been sold.

Around the corner from the auction tables, guests were treated to cups of Wassell, a Christmas drink served hot, which proved very popular, Elliott said.

"We served over 400 cups!" she said.

After a stop at Handy's Tavern, guests were able to tour five homes throughout Marion, two of which were built before the 19th century, with one of those having once been used in the underground railroad.

Over 70 members of the Sippican Woman's Club helped work the event, Elliott said, adding that the ladies also received a few helping hands from ten Old Rochester Regional students. The students helped serve the much in-demand Wassell, Elliott said, and also directed guests through the homes on the tour.

As with previous years, the Sippican Woman's Club will be donating the proceeds from ticket sales and the auctions towards scholarships for local students.

After spending the past three months decorating the Tavern, and even longer planning the annual event, Elliott said she was thrilled with the outcome.

"I would certainly call it a success," Elliott said. "It's nice that we'll be able to meet the $13,000 we gave last year to scholarships again this year."

Already planning next year's tour, Elliott said that the club members will likely do a Victorian theme in order to commemorate the 200 years of Handy's Tavern, built in 1812.