Secluded Celebrations, a destination worthy of the journey: Afternoon tea in Hartland, Michigan

Secluded Celebrations tearoom is enchanting inside and out.

Secluded Celebrations is a most aptly named tearoom: it's out in the "country" and it's got everything one needs for a party, specifically a tea party.  I was part of a secluded celebration here last weekend and am already looking forward to my next visit.

On Sunday, I was a guest of great tea friend, Barb T., and ultimately, the party's organizer, Sue, for an afternoon tea at Secluded Celebrations in Hartland, Michigan.  This charming, out-of-the way venue (located, appropriately, on "Old Country Way Drive"), is an extension of the home and passion of owners, Grit and Richard Francis. Landscapers with over 1,500 varieties of hostas, featured prominently on the grounds, they added a room off their home's kitchen with the purpose of serving afternoon tea to small groups. 

"Barb's at Tea." Thrilled to be a guest of Barb T.'s  at this afternoon tea."

Grit has been providing afternoon tea at Secluded Celebrations for seventeen years and, while winding down on the landscaping and farmers' markets, she plans to spend even more time in the tea business.  Good news for loyal customers and those of us who have just recenlty been introduced.

Grit pours tearoom's own blend of tea as Sue, our party's organizer, looks on.

The tearoom's decor is whimsical and enchanting, filled with fresh flowers, pretty china and colorful tablecloths with coordinating napkins. Windows, topped with grapevine garland strewn with fairy lights and dangling teacups, overlook the gardens and hummingbird feeders. The latter provides the setting for numerous hummingbird visits which stop most conversations for a few moments throughout the tea.

Strawberry shortcake for dessert.

Delicious old pear soup.

The menu is just as impressive as the ambiance. We were treated to a delicious cold pear soup along with a garden salad, fruit salad and an entree plate consisting of quiche, potato salad, spinach pie and a small caprese salad. Desert was a scrumptious strawberry shortcake served in an elegant crystal glass.

Fruit salad in compote dish.

Entree plate filled with tasty tea fare.

To accompany all the courses, three different teas are served - a variety of Secluded Celebration's own teas blends which complemented the food and can be purchased at the tearoom.

Barb T.  enjoying tea with friend, Linda.

Service was outstanding and Grit is a lovely, spirited host, welcoming old and new friends with warmth and humor. 

Our organizer, Sue, filled two tables of five guests each. Secluded Celebrations can accommodate up to twelve comfortably.  Seating is by reservation only and served throughout the year. 

Secluded Celebrations entryway with beautiful gardens throughout the estate.

We plan to drive to out to the country again for more celebrating. It truly is the destination worth the journey (about an hour's drive from our home in north Oakland County) which takes us through highways, byways and a few dirt roads. It is indeed secluded, but perfect for a party!

Helpful signs at end of the driveway, alert guests: "you made it"!

To contact, see Secluded Celebrations on Facebook. 

One of two tables of five. Tearoom can accommodate up to twelve.