Breakfast in Bed

Treating your loved one to a romantic dinner is the traditional way of celebrating Valentine's Day,  but restaurants tend to be crowded and overwhelming on this night of lovers. However, when time allows, a lovely and loving alternative to battling it out with the crowds on February 14th is to bring the party home. Consider a romantic and luxurious breakfast in bed where you serve your special someone a tray  of their favorite breakfast food and drink. Breakfast in bed is not only a tasty treat, but it makes such a good impression because it is so often ignored and forgotten. Here are the essentials for planning and preparing the ultimate culinary delights for your honey on any special occasion, whether it be Valentine's Day, an anniversary,  birthday,  or just because.

Prepare the Bed

This has to be thought about no later than the night before. The goal is to create a bed that will be comfortable and sensuous, but also practical. Here are the basics to have covered.

Make sure that the sheets  are clean and that the area surrounding the bed  is clean and clutter free. Satin sheets  or those with a higher thread count will be more luxurious feeling.	Be especially certain that the bedside table  will have room should you or the person eating need to place anything on it.	The bed should have plenty of large, comfortable pillows  to prop up your sweetheart so that he or she can eat, read, watch the news, etc.	Make sure that you have a breakfast tray  on hand. A classic style such as the one shown here works wonderfully. However, should you not want to buy one, just find a large, sturdy serving tray.

Morning Duties

Some things you'll need to do during the morning well before your loved one wakes. These errands should take relatively little time.

Pick up a bouquet  of fresh flowers,  whether a bouquet of her favorites or roses.	Pick up a copy of the daily paper.	Make sure to have his or her favorite magazine  on hand to read while dining.	Grab some fresh pastries  hot from the bakers or some bread  to add to the meal.

Preparing the Breakfast

This is the fun part. Don't be afraid to get creative. Also be sure to use those fresh flowers on the dish to give it a special touch! Or you can place a few blooms in a tiny bud vase  on the breakfast tray.  It goes without saying that you'll have considered what you want to make well in advance so that you can buy the groceries and stock up on any necessary items.

Drinks
First things first -- get the coffee  going! Use a French press  for a more romantic feel (and easier transportation and refilling while in bed) or just brew up a pot in the normal coffee maker.  The smell will gently help wake up your sweetheart.	Be sure that you'll have plenty of fresh coffee around. Use your coffee grinder  the night or day before so that the morning of the breakfast the noise won't wake up your sleeping beauty.	Orange juice is classic, but what about a delicious fruit smoothie? Fill the blender  with red fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, currants, and watermelon with some yogurt for an early morning treat that it sure to impress.	Make a champagne mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice. Use the best champagne flutes  you have in the house to show what a special occasion it is and don't skimp on buying a quality champagne.	Bring your lady or gent a cup of piping hot tea  just the way she or he likes it! Perhaps even consider buying a nice gourmet tin of tea  as a special treat. Or opt for a pretty new infuser  that the tea aficionado will swoon over.

Food
Whip up a scintillating batch of waffles in a waffle maker  and slather them with cinnamon whipped cream and fresh fruit.	Use your best omelette pan  to serve up a farm fresh egg and cheese concoction. Don't forget the hash browns.	Try an egg poacher  and make a luxurious batch of eggs benedict with a creamy hollandaise  sauce.	Flip a few flapjacks into a pile of soft, fluffy perfection on the griddle.  Get romantic with heart shaped egg rings.

External Links

• SoYouWanna.com -- Their take on how to make a romantic breakfast.
• AskMen.com -- Recipes for making breakfast in bed.
• LovingYou.com -- Some romantic ideas from couples who have done breakfast in bed.
• Breakfast and Brunch -- A champagne romantic breakfast, plus many more recipes.
• ImproveYourRomance.com -- Why breakfast in bed is so great.