BREAKFAST IN BED

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B&B’s have got the formula right — what could be more glorious than a good night’s sleep followed by an indulgent breakfast delivered straight to your bed? We ADORE in-room dining. After all, there’s something magical and luxurious about breakfast in bed — delicious food served on a cute tray, complete with little jars of jam, and a dish of embossed butter. It allows us to start the morning on a cozy note, sipping on hot coffee or a chilled mimosa while still tucked under the covers.

This soul soothing ritual does not have to be restricted to an occasional thing only reserved for vacations. We love to treat ourselves with breakfast in bed every once in a while, specially when the weekend comes around. It’s an ideal way to pamper someone on their special day to make them feel loved. Along with the in-room dining like set-up, include a thoughtful note to honor the occasion. For instance, if you want to thank mom on Mother’s Day, whip up her favorite breakfast and tuck in a handwritten note or card. To pamper dad on his birthday or Father’s Day, include the sports or business section of his favorite newspaper or magazine with the coffee. If you’re pampering that special someone on their birthday (or your anniversary), add some fresh flowers in a vase, or a photo frame with your best memory that doubles up as a keepsake. But, even if you don’t have a special occasion coming up, sneak this lavish ritual into your daily routine whenever a little downtime comes along. You will thank yourself.

We strongly believe that a good breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day and when it is one in bed, you know good things lay ahead. Breakfast in bed does not have to be boring… or a lot of work. A little bit of prep the previous night + digging around the house results in something delicious, effortless and fancy. Eat it in your pajamas with Netflix for company… or stretch out the lazy morning with some reading material like the morning newspaper or your favorite book. We love taking things up a notch (because why not) and making a moment out of everything, so we’ve compiled a guide of all the essentials you’ll ever need to elevate this experience and put together the chicest breakfast in bed.

FOOD

Breakfast really is the fuel your body needs to start the day. When you are choosing what to serve, ensure that you keep this formula of simple + yummy + healthy in mind. It’s also important to remember whom you’re cooking for, and what kind of breakfast they usually enjoy – are they more the eggs and toast type person, or grab coffee and a donut on the go person?

For those who love a big breakfast and their fair share of parathas or kachoris, you’ll need something substantial. Those deep-fried dishes might be delicious, but they require a lot of prep—and also do nothing but make you feel sluggish. Instead, think of versatile yet relatively healthier options like easy pancakes or crepes. Top them with fresh fruit and maple syrup, or go the savory way with spinach and cheese, or make a hearty breakfast taco with scrambled eggs, black beans, sliced avocado and cheese.

For someone who prefers lighter and healthier fare, make a granola bowl with homemade coconut yogurt topped with fresh fruit. If you’re running short on time, opt for a breakfast smoothie, or prep overnight oats which is quick + filling. If you are like us and think dessert should be a part of every meal, try this chia pudding recipe. If you want something that’s simple to put together but still feels fancy, check out these toast ideas for inspiration.

Once you have your main breakfast sorted, think about any extras that you might want to add. These are optional, but make the surprise so much more special. Include a bowl of cut fruit or berries, or add some spreads, compotes, and dips to go with your breads – things like butter, jam or Nutella in small dishes and jars. They add the oomph factor + make for a variety of options.

No meal should end without something sweet (yes even breakfast), so if you are celebrating an occasion or someone’s birthday, start your prep a day or two in advance for this elaborate gesture. Make these chai spice ginger cookies or banana bread. They serve as a great accompaniment to the main dish + will earn you some serious brownie points. But if you’re running short on time, throw in some chocolate truffles or strawberries dipped in chocolate as your sweet treat. They’re special and indulgent because after all, a breakfast in bed doesn’t happen every day.

DRINK

We barely even get our eyes to open unless we’ve gulped down a gallon of coffee first thing in the morning, especially if it’s after a night of binge-watching Netflix. Irrespective, your breakfast is incomplete without some coffee or tea. Or maybe a juice, if that’s your jam. While prepping for the breakfast in bed, brew a pot of coffee, or make cold brew in advance for your favorite coffee connoisseur. If the person you’re treating to this special breakfast isn’t big on caffeine, complement your breakfast with a tall glass of fresh orange or watermelon juice. If you fancy a cup of tea instead, keep a few different tea bags handy for an instant cup of freshness.

SET UP

You’ve cooked the breakfast, brewed a pot of coffee (or mixed up a mimosa!) and it’s time to set the scene. When it comes to setting up your breakfast in bed surprise, everything you need is probably what you already have at home. The tray is the most important as it holds everything together. Start with a solid bed tray, but if you don’t have a classic one, don’t fear. You can always use any flat surface like a cheeseboard, or an antique trinket tray. Bring out the nice bowls and plates, and set it up with a pretty cloth napkin and fancy cutlery. Though these are tiny details, it really goes a long way in taking your tray to the next level and making your breakfast the most special affair. It also shows that you’ve really put in a lot of thought into this moment. What’s more, if you are doing this for someone who loves to host, these little trinkets will also double up as a gift that they will no doubt love.

Lastly, pay attention to detail. Dig up that old bud vase at the back of the cupboard or use a mason jar. Put in a single sunflower, or an entire bunch of them. Add a little note or a card alongside, even if it just says ‘good morning.’ It makes all the difference. They are stylish + inexpensive and also add that personal touch, which honestly, is what they will cherish the most.

Here our some of our favourite essentials to set-up an elevated breakfast in bed:

Tips to keep in mind if you feel the cookie is crumbling (see what we did there?):

1. Eat that cookie and lick the crumbs. No, really, we mean it. Just breathe and make do with what you have.
2. Let your imagination run wild. Unlike the recipe for a perfect pancake, there is no recipe for the perfect set-up. Do what is unique to YOU or the person you are doing it for.
3. Plan in advance. Make sure you get the ingredients and elements from before so you’re not scrambling for them early in the morning. If you’re making something that’s to be served cold, make it the day ahead.
4. Create your menu keeping your audience’s preferences in mind—go sweet or savory depending on what they like. And choose food that isn’t too messy to eat so you’re not stuck cleaning up all the crumbs from the duvet later on!
5. Keep it minimal and don’t go overboard with the set up or the food. Breakfast in bed is a lovely gesture, but it doesn’t mean you have to wake up at the crack of dawn and prepare for hours. Keep it simple, and make something you know they will like. Simplicity goes a long long way.

Once breakfast is over, laze a little in your pajamas – put your phone away, forget about the dishes (they can sit for a while on the floor), and just soak in that downtime to reconnect and rejuvenate. After all, it is a special day.

What does your breakfast in bed set-up include?

Let us know: leave a comment, or tag @sprigandvine.in on your photos on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #goodfoodpractices