Any hints or tips please.

You can not offend by being yourself. Explain you are just dropping in and leave when you need to. You took flowers so don't need to overdo it. As for shoes do what others do. Don't worry too much. She obviously wanted to invite you because you were so friendly.

Oh that's lovely annsixty. I think you will have a wonderful time. I shouldn't worry about offending them but if there are shoes by the door you could take yours off, or ask if they would like you to do that.

Flowers are always acceptable.

Asian families usually do take their shoes off at the door, I wish all others would too!
I would take care to dress nicely ( sure that you do anyway) and just be normal and friendly.They are obviously a Christian family from what you say.

Yes, just watch and see what everyone else does Ann

I'd take flowers and a nice box of chocolates or some home made cakes or biscuits - if you're a baker.

Why do you have to leave because your husband doesn't do 'social' If you want to stay, why can't he go home.

Oh - that's great. Have a brilliant time.

Petra he has Alzheimer's and I couldn't stay without him.

Ann

Take the invitation at face value , a gesture of friendship and thanks.

You are worrying too much and I think you will be absolutely fine.

You have extended the hand of friendship and they have courtiously responded by inviting you into their home.

Without knowing the particular families background e.g Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jain it is difficult to offer advice but I think the family will be very pleased to see you and will make you extremely welcome, don't over think things, find a middle ground for choosing a gift. I find candles and sweet confectionary usually acceptable when attending my Asian friends small gatherings as you describe.

Have fun.

How lovely Ann! Flowers, a plant or chocolates are always good! I'm - I bet the food will be lovely. I would certainly offer to take my shoes off especially ially as they have refurbished the house. As others have said, be your usual selves, they obviously want you there!

roses, why are they obviously Christian - I would think the opposite.

Thank you all for your comments. I will take chocolates and will report back on Sunday.

Kitty in the OP "They told me the Pastor and members of their church will be there."

Oops, sorry!

What a lovely invitation. I would go with pleasure, enjoy it and as kitty says take of my shoes as a gesture to the new flooring if nothing else perhaps something to plant in the garden like herbs as I would guess they cook at home. Have a lovely time - wish it was me!

Ann I think the chocolates will be go down a treat and as others have said, just be yourself and have a lovely time . It's always good to have nice neighbours.

Ann

I apologise I missed that point too.

Have an enjoyable time , it will be interesting to hear how you get on.

A small edible gift would be fine, but suggest you make sure it is vegetarian, just in case. Have a great time.

I didn't think about that. I can see I have a lot to learn .

How lucky your new neighbours are, to have you for a neighbour. Normally one would assume that because they used the word "pastor" they are Christians. However it may be that, they used that word as an English equivalent. Many Hindus, Jains and Buddhists are vegetarian ( including no eggs) so if you do decide to take something edible, make sure it's vegan. A scented candle is a lovely idea. One thing is certain, you'll be taking your shoes off as you enter, so make sure they're easy to slip on and off. Another thing, Indians are very family centred, so given that you've already presented them with flowers, a small gift for the children would be much appreciated.

What a lovely invitation!
I agree with dida you should be definitely taking your shoes off, however they probably won't ask you to for fear of offending. I'm also pretty sure that they will most definitely understand the fact that you can't stay too long due to your DH. They will be just as nervous as you. I really hope that you do report back on Sunday, I look forward to hearing all about it.

Do go, annsixty and embrace the friendship. My newish neighbours of 10 months are so are from Mumbai, less than half my age and are the best neighbours I've ever had bar none.

How kind of you Ann. When I went to my Asian students' party they asked me to dress up and wear my best jewellery, so there I was filling up at the petrol station at 9.00 in the morning looking as if I was Liberace. it was a fab party.

Not to put a dampener on the thread, but a couple of years ago I put a card through our new neighbours door and then went round to offer any help or advice on the area as we have lived here so long. They let me go on with my offers of offering parking space when the removal van came etc.

We found out shortly afterwards they lived a few streets from us and had bought the house as a holiday let, but sadly didn't have the guts to tell me. Things have been decidedly frosted between us since. So pleased though that you Ann got a positive response.

Frosty not frosted

Well we duly went to the housewarming. Cars starting arriving for the service about 3:30 and we wondered how they would all get in. We went in for the "food party" just before 7 and were made so welcome I was slightly ashamed about my misgivings.I think some had just come for the blessing and then left as there had been more than 100 for that. They are Christians of a "born again "persuasion and we had a long chat with the Pastor who is keen for us to join in a house meeting!! Um I don't think so thank you. The food was traditional Indian we were told and it was very hot and spicy,chicken,beef and fish in different sauces. I did eat quite a bit but it wasn't to my taste. The house is so minimalist I am not surprised that we never saw a removal van,the floors are all tiled and we didn't have to take our shoes off. there were only 3 of us non-indian and we were the eldest by far.They seem lovely people and the boys are delightful, well mannered and very self confident, being very handsome ,along with the father is a bonus. The wife is an ICU nurse and taking time out to settle the boys in new schools and a new environment. It was a very positive experience, a lot of their friends came and chatted to us and we enjoyed it very much.I hope they settle and stay.

I took a calla lily in a very attractive pot and a box of shortbread (shop bought but M&S so very nice)