Top 10 Breakfast in Bed Menus

Sometimes your hectic schedule may not allow you time to fix the fanciest breakfast in bed for that someone special. If that's the case but you still want to provide a nice morning treat, then simply head back to breakfast basics. Many times, a simple breakfast of cereal and fresh fruit is the way to go. It's healthy and quick, and someone you love will still be pretty satisfied if it is brought to them in bed. Look for no-sugar cereals and low-fat milk to round out a healthy breakfast. Oatmeal and yogurt are also quick and easy options and go well with fruit.

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For a Special Touch: Skip the pre-cut fruit mélange you buy in the store in favor of cutting your own favorite fruits.

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For your children's birthday or really any time you feel like giving them a special treat, why not whip up a yummy and fun breakfast in bed? Kids love fun food, so look for recipes that allow a little whimsy that your kids might appreciate. When it comes to taste, only you know what your kids might like, and they can be pretty finicky. So don't go overboard with unusual flavors; the key is to keep it simple and add a little fun. But since they're your children, you also want to keep it fairly healthy -- as much as they'd love it, you'll probably want to steer clear of a bowl of chocolate ice cream with sprinkles.

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For a Special Touch: Make pancakes into fun shapes, like Mickey Mouse or a four-leaf clover.

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It's not just mom and the kids who appreciate a breakfast in bed treat. Dad also might like the occasional special breakfast, and Father's day is a great opportunity to treat him. For dad's special day, make sure you know exactly what his favorite menu might be. Getting the kids in on the action is a fun part of the entire experience, so look for some helper jobs they can assist with. Sometimes it's a good idea to ask dad what he might like, but the surprise of a breakfast in bed is always fun if you want to make the day even more special.

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For a Special Touch: Make dad his favorite coffee shop treat, whether it's a latte or mocha.

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There's no better way to say "I love you" than a romantic breakfast in bed. It doesn't even have to be an anniversary or particular date to surprise your significant other with a morning of leisurely dining under the covers. Spend some time beforehand making note of their favorite breakfast items and then brush up on your prep skills so you can pull it off when the time comes. And since romance is your angle, make sure your presentation is beautiful and classic. Be sure to top off the tray with some fresh cut flowers in a small vase.

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For a Special Touch: Add a small gift to make it even more romantic.

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These days, getting a healthy start to your day is an important part of maintaining a fit lifestyle. Just because breakfast in bed is an indulgent treat doesn't mean it has to be a tray full of fatty meats and cholesterol. When it comes to eggs, get rid of those yolks and go with whites only. Another option is to use a pre-packaged egg substitute that you can find near the eggs in your local grocery store. Fruit, yogurt and oatmeal are all also great healthy options to serve, as are healthy cereals. Avoid pancakes, waffles and French toast, because they're typically served with sugary sauces and syrups. Also keep away from carb-heavy dishes that include potatoes and bread.

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For a Special Touch: Mix together yogurt with some granola and berries for a healthy parfait.

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Every Mother's Day morning, fathers and children in neighborhoods far and wide tiptoe quietly into the kitchen to cook a special meal for moms. Since this is usually a group effort between kids and adults, the Mother's Day menu should incorporate dishes appropriate for chefs of all skill levels. Put younger children in charge of squeezing oranges for juice or making toast. Older ones can try their hand at scrambling eggs and mixing pancake batter. Dads, of course, should oversee sharp objects and stove or oven operations.

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For a Special Touch: Mix some Champagne with orange juice for a bubbly mimosa cocktail. A flower in a vase on the tray is also a must, and handmade Mother's Day cards from the kids will make the event extra special.

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Just because bacon and sausage don't belong on the breakfast tray of a vegetarian doesn't mean you can't make a scrumptious breakfast for someone with dietary restrictions. In fact, breakfast foods offer plenty of mouth-watering, non-meat options. If you're cooking breakfast in bed for a vegetarian or someone else with a special diet, just be sure that meat is the only thing he or she abstains from. (Vegans, for instance, say no to eggs, cheese, butter and all other dairy products. Some people are also sensitive to gluten, which means no wheat or oats.)

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For a Special Touch: Tangy Bloody Marys are a refreshing complement to savory omelets and frittatas. Skewer some raw vegetables, peppers and olives for a tasty garnish.

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Dining in bed certainly feels lazy (in a good way), but you don't want to stuff yourself until you'd rather roll onto the floor instead of stand up. For someone who'd prefer lighter breakfast-in-bed fare, don't limit the menu to dry toast and coffee. What's special about that? Instead, choose a lean protein, such as turkey bacon or smoked salmon, in lieu of pork sausage. Then, round out the plate with different flavors and textures that offer satisfying variety.

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For a Special Touch: Tuck their favorite magazine or newspaper under the plate for some breakfast reading.

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If there's one region known for serving up a fine breakfast, it's the American South. Although the fare isn't everyone's cup of tea, Southern folks know how to rustle up a mean breakfast. Instead of hash browns or skillet potatoes, a creamy pool of grits occupies the starchy region of the plate. The chosen proteins -- salty country ham, sausage doused in white gravy, country fried steak -- literally aren't for the weak of heart. Sure, there are lighter ways to make a down-home breakfast in bed, but for certain special occasions, it's fun to indulge.

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For a Special Touch: If someone's country cooking tastes reach South of the border, perhaps add a festive twist to the plate by stirring in chopped tomatoes and peppers with the eggs and substituting spicy chorizo for sausage.

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For Valentine's Day or anniversaries, it's time to up the ante on breakfast in bed. You can have pancakes and eggs any old day, so why not try your hand at slightly more refined foods? Cooking a five-star breakfast requires more skill than pouring a bowl of cereal, but poaching eggs and whipping hollandaise sauce sound more intimidating than they really are. Don't forget to spice up the presentation with a single rose, linen napkin or other touch of class.

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For a Special Touch: Take the breakfast ingredients up a notch. Instead of serving regular butter with the scones, put it in a bowl with honey and dash of sugar and whip with an electric mixer. For the parfait, get creative with fresh fruits, such as pear, pomegranate and pineapple.

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