Timeless Elegance At The Townsend Hotel

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BIRMINGHAM, Mich. - The Townsend, metropolitan Detroit's premier boutique hotel, hosts Afternoon Tea served in the timeless English tradition.

Guests can choose from unimaginable varieties of loose-rolled teas, including the popular Earl Grey and Decaffeinated Raspberry - flavors that have been staples of the service for years. Have a personal favorite that isn't on-hand? Just let the accommodating tea director know prior to the event- she will personally order it for you!

Unlike pre-made teabags, known as sashays, loose-rolled teabags are handmade. Servers at The Townsend take freshly ground tealeaves from top tea supplier Harney & Sons in New York and lay them on cheesecloth. The bags are packed, sealed and then individually tied with their own ribbon.

The tea is complemented with light fare that includes a chef's selection of six finger sandwiches, including Smoked Salmon, Shrimp Canapé, and Cucumber and Dill. In addition to these taste bud-tempting treats, guest will also indulge in spinach and feta cheese wrapped in phyllo, vegetarian quiche, orange-cranberry scones and four distinct miniature desserts, including a Fresh Fruit Flan and Chocolate Mousse Cup. Mahogany wood, Waterford chandeliers, fresh flowers, Royal Albert china, crisp linens and beautiful place settings create an elegance that allows guests a friendly, intimate repose from a busy day or a time of celebration amongst friends and family.

"Afternoon Tea is enjoyed worldwide by men and women of all ages. In fact, Afternoon Tea at the Townsend has become such a success that reservations are now required!" said Laura Klein, tea director. "It is a wonderful way to relax from a hectic day and the perfect idea for bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, mother-daughter afternoons, birthday parties, anniversaries or business meetings. Many Afternoon Tea guests are return customers - our staff makes it a point to know them by name and remember their preferences."

The graceful practice of Afternoon Tea began in 1830 by the Duchess of Bedford and is regarded as a relaxing, leisurely break between the busy activities surrounding lunch and the hectic pace of dinner. Under the guidance of Ms. Klein, Afternoon Tea is served Tuesday through Friday at 1 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. in the elegant English-style lobby of The Townsend Hotel. For reservations, call 248-647-2196.

Since The Townsend opened in 1988, it has received numerous awards and accolades including Mobil Four Star and AAA Four Diamond designations as well as a perennial position on Conde Nast's "Top 100 Gold List," and Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Hotels." THE TOWNSEND HOTEL, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is located at 100 Townsend Street in downtown Birmingham, Mich. For more information, contact the hotel at 248-642-7900 or 800-548-4172. Additional information is also available at www.townsendhotel.com.

Media looking for more information can contact Jacqueline Harrington at (248) 203-8128.

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