I've been invited to a Diwali party. What should I take? What should I expect?

[MaMight]

I have asked my friend and she is just vague and says "oh just bring yourselves". But if everyone else turns up with a gift or something I want to do it right!

yes take a gift but only like you;d take to a dinner party, not as if you were invited for Christmas

box of chocolates or sweets (Indian sweets if you have a source nearby) always goes down well.

I was going to say sweets too. If you can't get hold of indian sweets, something like baklava is a good alternative. Bottles of nice non alcoholic fizz.

Rofl at my friend's face if I turn up with anything non-alcoholic !

Indian sweets not a problem. Might even make some.

So, just normal 'going to a party' fare then. Flowers / wine / sweets sort of thing.

Isn't Diwali a festival of lights? Maybe I could take a pretty candle?

I used to go to Diwali parties when I was a student. They were just like bonfire parties, with lots of fireworks and food. Indian sweets sound like a good idea

no don;t take a pretty candle
that'd be like going to a christmas party and taking (err) a stocking - kind of relevant but not a suitable present, iyswim.

if you can get posh indian sweets then do.