The idea of breakfast in bed sounds so great—until you have young kids jumping on you at 6 a.m every day. Or maybe you’re an early riser while everyone else in your family loves to sleep in (hi, it’s me.) The logistics of it can be, well, a little tricky.
I’ve been treated to a fair number of in-bed meal deliveries over the years, thanks to Chris, and I have some tips to set you up for success. In our stage of life, it just has to be more planned than a surprise. And that’s OK! Room service isn’t any less indulgent just because you know it’s coming. Let’s dive into my five recommendations to treat someone to the best breakfast in bed!
Rattan Tray | Juice Glass | White Bowl | Blue & White Plate | Linen Napkin
1. Know Your Person’s Routines (and Maybe Give Notice)
Be aware of their normal schedule. If they’re an early riser who jumps out of bed and hits their to-do list right away, you definitely will need to tell them, “Hey, sleep in tomorrow. What time do you want to wake up, and I’ll make you breakfast in bed.” That will give you a timeline of when you need to wake up to deliver it. Or put a note on your loved one’s nightstand that says, “Shhh…keep sleeping. I’m bringing you breakfast.” Or tell them to turn on their favorite movie! If there’s no TV in your room, put an iPad or book next to them on the nightstand along with the note.
The permission to do something you can never do because life is so busy? That’s the real gift. How indulgent is watching a movie at 8 a.m.?! I get to read a book in bed—that’s decadent! Also, note if they’re usually not an early riser…don’t come storming in at 7 a.m.! (But the latter probably doesn’t apply if you have young kids.)
2. A Tray is a Must!
A plate sitting on your lap is not going to work! It’s uncomfortable. You must use a tray, preferably a folding tray with legs. It should be big enough to hold a plate, flatware, a cup, and some other small treats. On a side note, you buy a tray with this romantic idea of breakfast in bed, and then you use it whenever someone in your house is sick. We use it more often for sick kids and sick adults than the romantic breakfast in bed! Hey, at least it’s carrying its weight around the house as a multi-purpose item.
I’ve picked out some of my favorite trays here!
Rattan Tray with Legs | Blue Scalloped Tray | Silver Monogrammed Tray | Rattan Tray | Tapestry Tray | Rattan Trays (Set of 2)
Shop More Breakfast Trays
3. Take a Note from Room Service
When it comes to the food for breakfast in bed, think about the best room service breakfasts you’ve had. You’re going to include some fruit. You’re going to add a smoothie or protein shake. Put their favorite coffee or tea in an insulated thermos. And a little something savory too. Also, think about making the food easy to eat. I’m not interested in trying to cut steak or a spear of asparagus on a wobbly tray on my lap. The rule is that no assembly is required! A fork or spoon should be all you need. It probably goes without saying, but a bowl of cereal is NOT it.
Here are some tasty menu ideas to get you started:
4. Make it Feel Special
Presentation matters. Try to make the food look more artfully arranged. Add a little flower to a bud vase on the tray and have a nice napkin. After you’ve gone to all the trouble, this is not the time for a paper towel! Ask the kids to color a little card for Mother’s Day or jot down a handwritten note of appreciation yourself. These extra touches are what sends the experience over the edge into special occasion mode. It makes the breakfast more memorable, and you want that since you put a lot of work into it!
5. Flip the Script
Not as into breakfast (or waiting around in bed in the morning?) Try dinner in bed! Chris has done this for me more times than even breakfast in bed. I don’t always mention it, but I live with a chronic autoimmune disease that drains me. If I’ve had a long day and I’m exhausted, it’s the nicest thing when, after work, Chris tells me to go put on my pajamas, saying, “I’m going to bring you dinner in bed.” For me, this is peak living! I can wash my face, put on a show, get comfy, and look forward to a delicious meal without lifting a finger.
Even if breakfast in bed (or dinner in bed) can’t be a surprise, the intentional thought and the personalized touches elevate the experience beyond a simple meal. Are you more of a “breakfast in bed” or “dinner in bed” kind of person? I want to take a poll—let me know in the comments!