Transform Weekend Entertaining with Automated Window Treatments

A Tarrytown Homeowners’ Guide to the Perfect Brunch

There's something magical about hosting brunch in a sun-drenched Tarrytown home, where historic charm meets modern convenience. As Austin's morning light streams through your windows, automated window treatments orchestrate the perfect ambiance for a memorable gathering with friends and family.

Keep reading to learn more.

MORE ON SHADING: How Motorized Shades Enhance Your Home’s Aesthetics and Comfort

Setting the Scene: Your Morning Symphony

Imagine this: It's Saturday morning, and your home gradually awakens with you. Your automated shades sense the first rays of dawn and begin their carefully choreographed routine. 

The east-facing windows slowly reveal the painted sky, while the western exposures remain perfectly filtered to prevent glare. This isn't just convenience—it's the beginning of your perfect entertaining day.

Morning Bright Playlist

Start your brunch prep with these upbeat tracks that complement your sun-filled kitchen:

• "Here Comes the Sun" - The Beatles

• "Walking on Sunshine" - Katrina & The Waves

• "Mr. Blue Sky" - Electric Light Orchestra

• "Sunday Morning" - Maroon 5

• "Sunrise" - Norah Jones

Enjoy the Art of Natural Light

As your guests arrive for brunch, the atmosphere shifts seamlessly. In the dining area, automated shades adjust to eliminate glare while maintaining the perfect amount of natural light for photos and conversation. 

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the shades automatically respond to the increasing morning heat, maintaining a comfortable temperature without sacrificing brightness.

Chef's Corner: The Perfect Brunch Recipe

We’re big fans of French toast—who isn’t?! We believe this Citrus-Lavender French Toast Casserole is perfect for preparing while your automated shades are partially lowered. It’s the ideal cooking environment with filtered light that’s not too bright.

Ingredients for 8-10 guests

For the Casserole:

• 1 loaf artisanal bread, preferably day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/3 cup local honey

• Zest of 2 organic oranges

• 1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

For Serving:

• Fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

• Pure maple syrup

• Fresh mint leaves

• Powdered sugar for dusting

• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

The Night Before:

1. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, honey, orange zest, lavender buds, salt, and vanilla extract.

4. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to ensure all pieces are coated.

5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Morning of Your Brunch:

1. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.

2. Preheat your oven to 350°F. (This is when those automated shades will help maintain your kitchen's temperature!)

3. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.

5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.

For Serving:

1. Let rest for 10 minutes after baking.

2. Dust with powdered sugar (pro tip: use a fine-mesh sieve for the most elegant presentation).

3. Top with fresh berries and mint leaves.

4. Serve with warm maple syrup and whipped cream on the side.

Pro Tips:

• Choose a sturdy, artisanal bread that will hold up to the custard mixture. Brioche or challah works beautifully.

• Don't skip the resting time before baking—it helps the casserole bake evenly.

• If lavender isn't your style, substitute with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom.

• Prep your toppings while the casserole bakes, letting your automated shades maintain the perfect kitchen lighting for food preparation.

Smart Solutions for Moments Beyond Brunch

While weekend entertaining showcases the beauty of motorized shades, their benefits extend throughout your daily life:

Energy Efficiency with Style

Your smart shades work tirelessly to maintain your home's temperature, automatically adjusting to the intense Texas sun. During the summer months, this can reduce your cooling costs by up to 15%, which results in savings you can invest in your next gathering.

Protection for Your Home's Beauty

Those cherished family photos and that vintage sideboard passed down through generations? Your automated shades protect them from harmful UV rays while still letting in the natural light you love. They're like sunscreen for your home's most precious contents.

Setting the Perfect Scene

As afternoon approaches and your brunch transitions to lingering conversations, your window treatments adjust again. Now it's time for our "Sunset Serenity" playlist:

• "Golden Hour" - Kacey Musgraves

• "Afternoon Delight" - Starland Vocal Band

• "Easy Like Sunday Morning" - Lionel Richie

• "Sweet Disposition" - The Temper Trap

• "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

We’re Transforming Luxury Homes in Texas

Are you looking to enhance your home's entertainment potential while adding lasting value? Fill out our contact form here, and let's explore how automated window treatments can transform your space into the perfect setting for making memories.