The Woman’s Association of the MSSA (Monteagle Sunday School Assembly) will host its 59th Annual Cottage Tour & Bazaar on Friday, July 21. The much-anticipated event will include tours of five representative cottages; a self-guided tour of historic buildings; the always-popular bazaar with fine art, jewelry, plus home décor and plants, jewelry, clothing and art much more; The Butterfly Boutique (resale); lunch options from La Bella Pearl’s Restaurant; and the always popular Bake Sale.

The annual event is designed to share with the public the Assembly’s unique history and mission, to showcase its representative turn-of-the-century cottages and structures, and to highlight the Chautauqua Movement and the Assembly’s association with the Chautauqua Network. This year’s tour will feature five distinctive cottages: Showboat, Southern Comfort, Doctor’s Inn, The Nest, and Lagniappe, The Bazaar, open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., welcomes old favorites and several new vendors who will bring local arts and crafts and splurge-worthy fine art and jewelry as well as paper, ceramics, art, jewelry, clothes, plants, leather and more from more than 30 selected local and regional artisans. The nearby Butterfly Boutique sale of donated items from members and friends is a bargain-lover’s dream held in the Writers’ Grove located near the Woman’s Association Winfield House.

At 10:45 a.m., guests are invited to attend a special presentation by Margot Shaw. Titled “Living Floral,” Shaw’s book and accompanying presentation is brimming with top stylemakers’ and designers’ innovative floral design ideas to enliven the home. From interior designers Charlotte Moss, Suzanne Rheinstein, and Bunny Williams, and event designer Tara Guerard to floral and garden experts Sybil Sylvester and P. Allen Smith and culinary consultant Alex Hitz, these luminaries impart their personal botanical point of view. They show how to incorporate flowers in home decor and present numerous ways to entertain with flair. For this inspirational yet instructive book, interior designers illustrate how eclectic furnishings work well with floral and botanical accents in fabric, wallpaper, artwork, and accessories to shape chic indoor spaces. Living Floral will resonate with those who appreciate the beauty and everyday luxury of flowers.

At the Harton Dining Hall, La Bella Pearl’s will offer a buffet (available 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.). Pre-ordered, pre-paid box lunches can be picked up 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and enjoyed in one of the Assembly’s green spaces.

Guests will also enjoy the annual bake sale where the Assembly’s best cooks bring their sweet and savory specialties, and the Snack Shop will be open for popcorn, chilled candy bars, bottled water and souvenir T-shirts.

Be sure to stop in at cottage #116, The Gallery, a mainstay of the Assembly history and a shopping must during any visit. In addition to art and gifts, the Gallery is one of a select few to carry award-winning McCarty Pottery. Created by Assembly members, the late Lee and Pup McCarty, Mississippi-based McCartys has earned international recognition.

Advance tour tickets ($20, $25 day of) and box lunches ($20) must be reserved and paid for in advance on the MSSA website <MSSA1882.org> using PayPal or by calling the MSSA office at (931) 924-2286 or by stopping by the office. Parking passes ($5 per car) can be purchased on the day of the tour at the North Gate entrance.

Schedule of events:

Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Butterfly Boutique and bake sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lecture by Margot Shaw, “Living Floral”: 10:45 a.m.

Cottage tours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Harton Dining Hall: Buffet available 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Box lunch pickup 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.