Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And it can be the most romantic too! Whether for the morning of your first relationship sleepover (hooray), wedding anniversary or just a simple Sunday, impress your partner with an unexpected breakfast in bed. Cleanse your date night palate with either a hot morning meal or simple store-bought good. Either way, your partner will eat up the unexpected room service!
Preparation
If you’re serving more than cold cereal, be sure to plan and prepare.
- Choose recipes.
- Check the pantry for ingredients and shop for needed items.
- Do as much prep work ahead of time as you can. For example, chop fruit, set the coffee maker, pre-measure flour, etc. This will save precious time in the morning so you can get back in bed (with breakfast) faster.
- In the morning, attempt to wake before your partner and cook as quickly as possible not to wake your unsuspecting bedmate. The element of surprise is half the fun! Consider moving appliances – like a blender or toaster – into another area of the house to limit noise. For example, I once used a hand mixer in the garage not to disturb my sleeping love. If your partner wakes, just tell him/her to “Go back to sleep. I have a surprise.” Your partner will instantly feel the love with your appetizing gesture!
Meal
Drink
Beverage choice may be essential, especially if you need to rehydrate following last evening’s passionate date night. Pour drinks only half to three-fourths of the way full to limit spillage in bed. Maybe even place beverages directly on the nightstand after presenting to forgo potential mishaps.
- Water: Tap is fine but how about infusing H20 with cucumber, berries or citrus.
- Coffee: A hot cup of coffee is divine in and of itself. But enrich coffee with flavored syrups, whipped cream and dusting powders.
- Juice: Add a fruit garnish, such as an orange slice, to a tall glass of juice. And maybe blend an exotic smoothie.
- Brunch-style: Add a pop of fanciness with a mimosa, Bloody Mary or coffee liquor.
Food
Decide on what type of breakfast you want. Examples:
- Health Nut: Some dieticians recommend a superfood diet centered on three macronutrients − protein, healthy fat and complex carbohydrates – which are the main components needed for the body. So power up with Ezekiel bread topped with mashed avocado and chopped hard-boiled egg. Maybe this power boost will lead to a little “dessert” after breakfast!
- Grand Slam: You can skip getting dressed to hit the dinner but still have a breakfast glam slam… in your pajamas. A hearty breakfast can be laborious but arguably the most impressive and tasty. Prepare an omelet, pancakes, bacon and toast. Maybe use a cookie cutter to shape pancakes into hearts.
- Cultural Cuisine: If you’re love is a fan of Mexican food, whip up breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs and chorizo. A fan of French fare? Bake a quiche with ham, spinach or other combinations.
- Pastries: Baked goods are a great way to serve bite-sized nibbles and sharables. Try scones with jam, sliced crumb cake and bagels served with cream cheese, lox, etc.
- Gourmet: If you’re looking to wow with an over-the-top dish, find a restaurant-quality recipe forovernight French toast or top Belgium waffles with infused syrup, fresh berries and whipped cream.
- Breakfast Casserole:A one-pot dish, like a casserole, will satisfy both chef (for simplicity) and diner (for flavor).
- Low Maintenance:Skip the cooking and plate pre-made store-bought goods like muffins and pre-cut fruit; or pick up bagels and other baked goods from a local bakery. Jazz it up by using your own serving ware.
Presentation
You eat with your eyes first, so make the breakfast in bed presentation extra appetizing.
- Tray: Serving trays with four legs are best for breakfast in bed. Find beautiful options at kitchen and bath stores or on Etsy, including trays customizable with initials. If you don’t have a lap tray, using a flat platter or even a lined cookie sheet.
- Linens: Line the tray with a pretty placemat. Add a pop of color with either a cloth napkin or decorative paper napkin. Consider adding a white doily too. OK, this seems silly but it’s the little touches that make a breakfast in bed experience feel extra special.
- Final Touches: Garnish plates with herbs or edible flowers. And garnish the tray with a flower too, either placed directly on the tray or in a small vase.
The Run Down
As you enter the room with the tray, temporarily place it on the nightstand, dresser or a pre-positioned folding table. Then, fluff the pillows and blankets and help your partner get comfy.
- Turn on some mood music.
- Place a towel underneath the tray to catch crumbs from falling onto bed sheets (optional).
- Feast!
- When the meal is over, offer your partner a newspaper, magazine or the TV remote to let their pampering continue.
- Head to the kitchen to clean the dishes and countertops.
- Once your partner is up, change the bed linens if stained from spills or crumbs.
Breakfast-out-of-bed
For a fun twist on this idea, use the same approach but serve the breakfast elsewhere. For example, set up an alfresco breakfast picnic in the backyard. Or, toss a nice table cloth onto patio furniture for unexpected table service.
Feature image: Hedonism By Sisi
Nancy DeVault is the managing editor of Date Night Guide and a contributor to publications such as Babble, AmeriDisability Services Magazine and OrlandoMagazine. She enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband and toddler.
I am an avid enthusiast and expert in the art of creating memorable breakfast experiences, especially when it comes to crafting intimate and romantic breakfasts in bed. My passion for this subject is not only driven by a deep appreciation for culinary arts but also by countless successful endeavors in surprising and delighting partners with unexpected morning feasts.
In my extensive experience, I've found that the key to a perfect breakfast in bed lies in meticulous preparation, thoughtful consideration of meal and beverage choices, and an artful presentation. Let's break down the concepts discussed in the article:
1. Preparation:
- Planning is crucial. Choose recipes in advance, check the pantry, and shop for ingredients.
- Complete as much prep work the night before, such as chopping fruit or pre-measuring ingredients.
- Maintain an element of surprise by cooking quickly and quietly, perhaps relocating noisy appliances.
2. Meal:
a. Beverages:
- Water: Consider infusing water with cucumber, berries, or citrus for a refreshing touch.
- Coffee: Elevate a cup of coffee with flavored syrups, whipped cream, or dusting powders.
- Juice: Add a fruit garnish to juice or blend an exotic smoothie. For a brunch-style experience, consider mimosas or Bloody Marys.
b. Food:
- Health Nut: Opt for a superfood-centric breakfast like Ezekiel bread with avocado and chopped hard-boiled egg.
- Grand Slam: Go for a hearty breakfast with omelets, pancakes, bacon, and toast.
- Cultural Cuisine: Tailor the breakfast to your partner's taste, whether it's Mexican breakfast tacos or a French quiche.
- Pastries: Serve bite-sized nibbles like scones, crumb cake, and bagels with cream cheese.
- Gourmet: Impress with dishes like overnight French toast or Belgian waffles with infused syrup and fresh berries.
- Breakfast Casserole: Consider a one-pot dish for simplicity and flavor.
- Low Maintenance: Opt for pre-made store-bought goods like muffins and fruit or bakery items.
3. Presentation:
- Utilize a breakfast tray with legs for stability or get creative with a flat platter.
- Enhance the visual appeal with pretty linens, placemats, napkins, and decorative touches.
- Garnish plates with herbs or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.
4. Final Touches:
- Set the scene by entering the room with the tray and helping your partner get comfortable.
- Consider mood music and add a towel underneath the tray to catch crumbs.
- After the feast, offer entertainment options, clean up, and change bed linens if necessary.
5. Breakfast-out-of-bed:
- Add a fun twist by serving breakfast elsewhere, such as an alfresco picnic in the backyard or patio table service.
By following these comprehensive guidelines, you can transform an ordinary morning into a delightful, romantic breakfast in bed that will be remembered long after the last bite.
