In 1662, Catherine of Braganza introduced the concept of afternoon tea to England when she married Charles II, resulting in numerous out-of-work finger sandwiches finally finding good, albeit temporary, employment. Continue putting pastries and pint-sized bites to work with today's Groupon: for $36, you get afternoon tea for two at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (a $72 value).

Settle arm-wrestling scores over sips and scones with The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver's afternoon tea for two ($36 per person), currently themed as "The Princess and the Tea." Guests will sit in the wing-backed chairs of the hotel's 900 West Lounge and be treated to fine finger foods made in-house and tasty teas, blended exclusively for Fairmont guests by the Metropolitan Tea Company. Delectables arrive on a three-tiered platter in an arrangement so appealing that Busby Berkeley's ghost's mouth would water—current bites include freshly baked plain and raisin scones, tea sandwiches topped with goodies such as chicken salad or cucumber, and pastries including lemon cheesecake and fruit tarts. Teawise, Fairmont's 14 flavours include the caramel notes of Maple Maple, the stress-reducing Egyptian chamomile, the green goodness of Jasmine Butterfly #1, and the limited edition 1907 Centennial Blend, drawing from a Harlem Globetrotter's passport's worth of international influences.

As a bonus, Groupon purchasers who redeem their voucher Monday through Thursday will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine from The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. A glass of champagne can also be added to afternoon tea at $17 per person. Sip from the hotel's collection of china teacups while the castle-like exteriors of The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver add to the feel of being immersed in a fairy tale.