A table feels easier when the meal invites a little participation. Set out dough, toppings and a few simple sides, and let the evening unfold around the food.
Let the pizza do the talking
A wood-fired flatbread bar gives guests an easy first task: choose a dough round, add a spoonful of sauce and make it their own. Put out roasted vegetables, herbs, cheese and a few bright pickles. Keep toppings light so the crust has a chance to shine. A hot home oven and a preheated baking steel work beautifully, too.
Put warm focaccia in the middle
Einkorn focaccia brings a golden crumb and a gentle, buttery flavor to the table. Cut it into pieces for sharing, with olive oil and a bowl of seasonal beans alongside. Mix Einkorn dough gently and give it time to rest; it can feel softer than a modern wheat dough.
Leave space for the conversation
Ask what someone likes to cook when nobody is watching, or which meal they remember from childhood. There is no need to work through a list of icebreakers. Pass the bread, notice what is on the table and let the next question arrive naturally.
Planning your dough? Visit our heritage grain sourdough calculator for a starting formula.