So with one eye on two prime dates in the breakfast-in-bed calendar - namely Mother's Day and Easter - we have assembled our very own three-course menu of must-have treats for peerless on-mattress dining. And, if you're not an early riser and simply couldn't bear thinking about cooking up a storm, our new ready-made Breakfast Boxes are here to save the day.

But before we get to the important business of eating and drinking, it's vital to spend a little time on planning. After all, breakfast-in-bed is not just about slaking sleepy thirsts and quieting grumbling tummies, that's why, in our humble opinion, the perfect breakfast-in-bed should start with one key ingredient which is neither edible nor drinkable: an element of surprise. The only thing better than breakfast between the sheets is when that breakfast is unexpected too. Bear that in mind and the brownie points from your loved one will soon stack up. If you want a helping hand with preparations, why not take some inspiration from our expertly prepared menu?

We're biased, of course, but to our minds the only item to actually start your breakfast with is our tea. As reviving morning potions go, a beautifully-brewed pot of a famous Fortnum's brew is impossible to beat. Our choice is Royal Blend, but any of our more than 200 tea blends will do the trick. Just ask the millions of tea devotees who have been drinking the good stuff since 1707.

In terms of food, our perfect breakfast-in-bed begins in earnest with a round or two of freshly-popped toast, topped with a little unsalted butter and any one of a revolving cast of Fortnum's jams, honeys and marmalades.

Our full list of favourites is simply too long to include here, but our Summer Glory jam, packed with strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants; our apricot, raspberry and rhubarb preserves; our honeys from every corner of the globe and our wonderful orange marmalade with Champagne are all incredibly moreish morning treats.

Speaking of Champagne, the time to pop open a bottle is now, once the final bites of toast have been taken. Ordinarily, fizz before lunch might be frowned upon, but this is a special occasion. Besides, breakfast-in-bed without bubbles is like a British summer without Wimbledon, Christmas without a turkey, or Piccadilly without Fortnum's. Inconceivable, in other words.

The perfect partner to a glass or two of champers is undoubtedly a little smoked salmon, served simply with blinis or at a push, with some fresh poached eggs. For a little extra Fortnum's magic, drizzle the smallest touch of honey on your salmon for a unique and delicious breakfast treat.

Any suggestions of fullness at this point should be well-and-truly ignored because there is still the finishing touches... and by finishing touches we mean Bacon, Sausages and Pancakes.

Our scrumptious Butcher's Breakfast Box contains the first of those two things and make the most perfect partner to a cup or two of rich and energising coffee, such as our new single estate and single-origin coffee Colombia El Jordan Estate Ground Coffee which is grown on the fertile soil that sits within the shadow of the Nevado del Huila volcano.

All of which brings us to a point – somewhere around lunchtime, probably – when the breakfast must end, the bed must be made, and the pyjamas must be swapped for more regulation daytime attire.

But that return to normality is, in itself, an important part of the breakfast-in-bed experience. Breakfast-in-bed is by its very nature a rare occurrence. Were it a more regular and routine thing, we might not love it - nor look forward to it - in quite the same way. Bed-based banquets should, we think, be reserved for special occasions and special people.

And while Fortnum's is on-hand to provide almost everything required for your morning celebrations there is, regrettably, one thing with which we cannot provide much assistance: the post-breakfast clean-up.

We pride ourselves on our service, but our dedication does not extend to home visits. At least not yet, anyway. So for now, the stray crumbs on your bed-sheets are your concern. And be warned, they do get everywhere...