Elizabeth Reh Ralls Mali Azima Elizabeth Reh Ralls

What: Lifestyle Design’s Christine Eisner leads a half-day outing to Scott Antique Market, a favorite shopping destination of the region’s top interior designers and do-it-yourselfers alike.

When: Friday, November 9, 9:30 a.m. - 1p.m.

Why: 375,000 square feet of fabulous finds can be daunting, but Eisner demystifies the market by teaching you how to effectively navigate the stalls. Along the way, she relays inspection tips, reveals first-timer pitfalls, and introduces you to her big-time dealer friends, such as Love Train Antique’s Mark Sage.

What you’ll learn: Who to call when the piece you bought won’t fit into your vehicle—some of the best deals at Scott can be found on oversized pieces; how to engage dealers in conversation (it’s a cinch compared to the “customer service” at retail giants); and how to envision the possibilities for even the most run-down piece.

What I bought: After my trip with Eisner in April, I returned to buy tripod floor lamps (about half the price of regular retailers), antique Indonesian wagon wheel sculptures (many a designer’s staple; marked up several hundred dollars in to-the-trade showrooms); and a paint-peeling bureau, still awaiting its transformation in my garage.

Cost: $75 per person. Visit lifestyledesign.org for more information; space is limited.

Eisner’s Advance Preparation Tips:

•    Choose a handbag that will hold only your essentials so it isn’t heavier than it needs to be, and clear out your car so you have space for any large items. Throw in a blanket and a rope or bungee cord.

•    In addition to cash (prices can be better when you have cash; there’s also $3 entry fee) or checks (and your ID), you may want to bring water and a snack. When you’re on a roll, you don’t want to interrupt valuable searching time.

•    Other invaluables: Tape measure, floor plans, photos and fabric swatches. And be sure to write down your wish list (with any relevant dimensions) to help you remember the specific items you’re on the lookout for. A camera, in case you want to compare a piece with others, and paper and pen will allow you to keep track of items of interest so you can compare as you go and know where to track them down later.