Extraordinary Hospitality

I am thrilled today to share a new cozy design book by Victoria Duerstock curiously titled, Extraordinary Hospitality for Ordinary Christians. In fact, it is so new, it was out of stock until this week! My copy is on its way and should arrive Saturday -- and I can't wait.

It's the kind of book you sit down to read on a rainy day, wrapped in a fuzzy blanket with a hot cuppa as you drink in all the gorgeous interior images. Home decorating has always been an interest of mine, since my Dad's job in the 50s was to design the window displays for downtown Chicago's Montgomery Wards.

Evidently, I have some of his residual talent, because in my 20s (and beyond) when I would get bored, I'd rearrange the furniture! Even to this day, I keep boxes of seasonal decorations up in our storage area, switching them out every three months.

So enough about me. Let's get on to our interview of author Victoria Duerstock and her latest book, Extraordinary Hospitality for Ordinary Christians.

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So, Victoria, tell us about your new book, Extraordinary Hospitality for Ordinary Christians, and what readers will learn by flipping through its pages.

My editor approached me and asked me to write a title that combined The Gospel Comes with a House Key with The Year of Cozy. Two really amazing books, but she wanted to have a bit of both together. Extraordinary Hospitality for Ordinary Christians is my vision of accomplishing that. Bringing into the discussion the reason for true hospitality, the real heart for people and the opportunity to use our homes as a missional outpost combined with practical tips to implement including decluttering, cleaning and meals.

What can we learn from the Bible, and specifically the early church, about hospitality? 

The early church did life together. Everyday living. It wasn’t just special occasions where they’d gather for the potluck. It was the normal and ordinary life events that they chose to do with each other. I think our world would look much different today if we could figure out a similar approach. It’s making room for people in our space and letting them know they are important.

What have you noticed about the need for this book? Why is hospitality such an overwhelming task for so many? 

It’s really rooted in my own weakness in this area. I tend to want to hide my mess, but the reality is that living in a home, raising children, etc. is all messy. If I wait until the home is in pristine condition, no one will be around. It overwhelms many of us because we don’t have practical doable solutions to dealing with the messes. I wanted to help alleviate that.

How does clutter impact our physical and emotional states? 

I think clutter in our homes is just like sin in our heart. It prohibits us from relationship! Stuff can get in the way whether I keep people out because I need to remove the extra stuff or if people aren’t comfortable when they come in a crowded space because there’s nowhere to sit. Sin keeps us from a vibrant relationship with Christ in just the same way.

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Where can people pick up a copy of Extraordinary Hospitality for Ordinary Christians and connect with you online? 

Anywhere books are sold – Amazon, Target, Walmart, Books A Million and Barnes & Noble are the big retailers. I’m on all the socials – you can usually find me @vduerstock.

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Thanks so much, Victoria - you are inspiring! And may the Lord continue to use your books for the glory of God. Your book the perfect gift to bless a deco-savvy friend who loves to be hospitable. Christmas is coming!

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Do you love to decorate? If so, what is YOUR inspiration?