What is an appropriate hostess gift for Sikh couple when invited to dinner party?

Question

Non-drinker. Very gracious couple.

Answer 1

Okay, some people have given you suggestions of fruit and flowers. They are very classy for western couples but fruits and flowers are associated with sickness and funerals in Indian culture (You take fruit baskets to recuperating patients in hospitals and send flowers during funerals) and unless the couple is thoroughly westernized, you may want to give that a skip.

My suggestions would be:
1. Cook something. Punjabis are gourmands of good food. Try making something Indian yourself if you are a decent cook. Something like "Kheer" is not too complicated to make and requires simple ingredients (rice, milk, nuts, raisins). You can find the recipe in Foodnetwork.com. If not, remember your western cookies will be deeply appreciated because you made it by your own hands.
2. The book- what the body remembers by Shauna Singh. Dealing with Sikhism and their struggles to establish themselves it will show you have an appreciation for their culture. Or else, get them a funny book. There is a saying in India..."Only a Sikh can laugh at himself" which says much about their sense of humor.
3. A box of mixed nuts is far more acceptable than fruits. It is a common diwali gift also. They have some nice boxes at Indian groceries. Or you can make your own.

Caveats: If you make it yourself, it is twice as appreciated as something you bought. If you buy it, even a gift for the children is equivalent to a hostess gift. As long as heart and effort went into it, they will appreciate it. Sikhs have large hearts.

2.

Answer 2

Flowers. Have them delivered a day ahead of time. That way, your hostess won't have to worry about a centerpiece for her table.

Answer 3

A small basket of fruit. You can make it yourself, get a small wicker basket and put in a couple of pears and a couple of apples in a layer of colored tissue paper. Doesn't have to be huge.

Answer 4

How about a nice sparking grape juice?