Dickens Afternoon Teas at The Desmond in December

The Scrimshaw dining room.

COLONIE -- We may be a nation of well-mixed ethnic and national origins, but there is something inherently English about many of our Christmastime customs.

Take the Victorian tea, for example. Especially a Dickens-style tea, popular all around the country.

The Desmond hotel and conference center has scheduled a four-event series of Dickens Saturday Afternoon Teas in December as part of its seasonal schedule.

The teas, scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. on December 1, 8, 15 and 22, will offer a menu of teas, finger sandwiches, scones and light desserts in the ornate Scrimshaw room. Holiday carolers and pianist Ruth Hellkamp on the hotel's iconic Steinway piano will perform.

Reservations are $28.95, plus tax and tip. The Desmond is located at 660 Albany Shaker Road, on the west side of I-87 at Exit 4. Phone: 869-8100.

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