One of the pleasant little ironies of contemporary life is that amid all our technology, breakfast in bed is still thought of as a luxury. The breakfast tray with rolled-up newspaper on the side is a familiar sight from classic TV or period films like The Untouchables, but it's also increasingly popping up in modern homes. Of course the newspaper has been replaced by a laptop, and toast by low-carb cereal, but the appeal of breakfast and bed trays is as charming and intimate as ever.
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Breakfast in Bed
Breakfast in bed has changed in other ways too. One new development these days is the greater distinction made between breakfast trays and bed trays. The classic breakfast tray is typically made from wood or bamboo, and features collapsible legs that lock in place, and a safety rim around the tray surface. A small side pocket or hamper is common, as is one or two indentations in the tray surface for secure placement of cups and bowls.
Contemporary bed trays have departed in various ways from the classic bed and breakfast tray design. Bed trays known as laptop trays feature two surface areas. One side area is small and rectangular, while the other is large and can usually be propped up for reading or laid flat for working on laptops or papers.
Bed trays in which the entire surface area can be tilted or adjusted are often called bed desks. The advantage of these multi-purpose designs is that those workaholics who enjoy an ample Saturday breakfast can then use the same breakfast tray for an hour or two of catch-up work.
Breakfast trays don't have to be used for just breakfast. Telecommuters who enjoy working outside on pleasant days will find breakfast trays to be useful portable desks. Breakfast in bed, paperwork on the patio -- whatever the time and place, breakfast and bed trays make life a little more comfortable.
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