| There are few things more luxurious than a lie-in | | | | or, if you're feeling really decadent, champagne, |
| at the weekend followed by a decadent | | | | and prepare a pot of freshly ground coffee. Add |
| breakfast in bed. And yet a survey by a leading | | | | a single flower in a small vase. You could even |
| hotel chain showed that 40 per cent of adults | | | | place a small wrapped gift on the tray. Finally, |
| couldn't remember the last time they were | | | | bring along the Sunday papers or a magazine for |
| treated to breakfast between the sheets, while | | | | your partner to read over breakfast. |
| 20 per cent have never experienced it. Over half | | | | What food is best for breakfast in bed? |
| would like to enjoy the luxury of eating breakfast | | | | When making breakfast for someone else, think |
| in bed more often, and thought the tradition was | | | | about what they really relish as a treat. It could |
| important for celebrating special occasions. | | | | be a traditional fry-up of bacon, sausage and |
| So why not make time to indulge more often in | | | | eggs, a selection of continental style pastries and |
| this simple pleasure? Whether you make | | | | croissants, or a healthy and colourful fresh fruit |
| breakfast for a loved one to celebrate an | | | | salad. Some foods are easier to eat in bed than |
| anniversary, prepare it together, or simply treat | | | | others. Avoid anything that's messy, crumbly, or |
| yourself, here are a few ideas and practical tips. | | | | could drip on or stain the covers. Don't bring fruit |
| How to prepare for breakfast in bed | | | | that needs peeling, or anything with seeds or |
| Throwing together whatever's in the fridge is | | | | stones. |
| okay on an ordinary weekend, but for a special | | | | Scrambled eggs are a versatile breakfast meal, |
| occasion some forward planning is needed. Decide | | | | since you can add any number of other |
| on your menu and make sure you have all the | | | | ingredients. Try red peppers, crumbled feta |
| ingredients to hand. It's probably not the best | | | | cheese and fresh herbs, or smoked salmon. If |
| time to try out a complicated recipe you've never | | | | you live close to a bakery or supermarket you |
| done before - you don't want to keep your | | | | could nip out for some freshly baked bread or |
| partner waiting in bed for hours while you struggle | | | | muffins or, if you have the skills and the time, |
| in the kitchen. Stick to something tried and tested | | | | you could make your own. |
| that's quick to prepare. | | | | Pancakes are another popular breakfast food, and |
| It's easy to make a mess when eating in bed, | | | | can be accompanied by fruit, sweet sauces or |
| and crumbs in the bed or tomato ketchup on the | | | | savoury fillings such as cheese. French toast is a |
| sheets can spoil an otherwise perfect moment. | | | | quick, easy recipe, and for Valentines Day, why |
| To avoid this, use a large tray that fits | | | | not cut the toast into a heart shape? If you're |
| comfortably on your lap and has sides to stop | | | | preparing breakfast as a treat for your partner, |
| things sliding off. Or you could invest in a specially | | | | or to spoil your mother on Mother's Day, don't |
| designed overbed table, a tray with small legs that | | | | forget to clear up afterwards. After a delicious |
| fold out to form a miniature table on your bed. | | | | breakfast in bed, he or she shouldn't have to face |
| If you're preparing breakfast for an anniversary | | | | a dirty kitchen. |
| or birthday, a few elegant touches will help make | | | | If you're making breakfast on your own, there |
| it feel special. Place a cloth over the tray, fold a | | | | are very few rules, as you only have yourself to |
| napkin and use your best china and silverware. If | | | | please. But don't be afraid to treat yourself and |
| you're cooking hot food, warm the plates in the | | | | make it. After all, at the end of a long week's |
| oven first. Pour out a glass of fresh orange juice | | | | work, you deserve a little luxury. |