How to Fix Breakfast for Your Sweetheart

Waking up to breakfast in bed is a wonderful surprise gift. Don't wait for February 14 or Mother's Day. Turn any lazy weekend morning into a decadent pleasure. You can run to a bakery to gather pastries, but there's nothing like a homemade treat to show just how special someone is to you.

Things You'll Need

• Bud Vase Or Jar
• Flower(s)
• Large Tray
• Small Pillow Or Folded Blanket
• Coffee Or Tea
• Ingredients For Breakfast
• Juice
• Alarm Clock Or Watch
• Place Setting For One
• Time To Clean Up
• Newspaper, magazine, small gift or greeting card
• Place mat, cloth napkin or kitchen towel

Instructions

1. If you have a complex or time-consuming recipe, start preparing breakfast the previous night.

2. Set your alarm, allowing at least 30 minutes before serving time. A watch alarm can be set under your pillow for a discreet wakeup call.

3. Close the bedroom door to filter noises from the kitchen. Leave the door slightly ajar so you can open it more easily later.

4. Place one large, colorful blossom or a few small flowers in a bud vase or a jar of water. Keep the arrangement short to save space and prevent tipping.

5. Place a pretty place mat or cloth napkin on a large tray. You can also cover a cookie sheet with a clean kitchen towel.

6. Set a plate, a small glass, a cup or a mug, a napkin and silverware on the tray. Place the flowers and a newspaper, magazine, small gift or greeting card to the side. Open the newspaper to a favorite section, such as the comics or the daily crossword puzzle.

7. Finish preparing breakfast. Brew coffee or heat water for tea. Keep the kitchen clean. Be forewarned: Leaving a dirty mess will cancel out any and all points gained by cooking.

8. Remove the plate from the tray and arrange the food on it. Fill the glass with juice and the cup with coffee or tea. Leave at least 1 inch (3 cm) of headspace to prevent splashing while you walk.

9. Walk carefully to the bedroom. Quietly place the tray near the bed or on the opposite side of the bed.

10. Wake up the person slowly with the aroma from the coffee cup or a dab of maple syrup on the lips. Or simply declare (in a soft voice) the appropriate happy greetings for the day. Give your loved one time to wake up completely before bringing over the breakfast tray.

11. Carry the tray so that the plate will be in the right serving position when you set down the tray. If you don't have a tray with legs, place a small pillow or a folded blanket on the person's lap.

12. Bask in the happiness and gratitude that you deserve.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose recipes with alluring aromas, like cinnamon, chocolate or almonds, for maximum wake-up-with-a-smile effect.

• Prepare food that is easily eaten with one hand; cutting with a knife can be messy when eating on a tray.

• Many breakfast recipes can be started a day in advance. Soak bread in French toast mix, prepare pancake batter, combine the wet ingredients for muffins (leaving dry ingredients in another bowl) or roll out scone dough; refrigerate.

• Join the lucky person in a romantic breakfast for two: Use one place setting, serve enough food for two on the plate, then feed your loved one for a special touch.