New neighbours (Chinese) What is the correct thing to do.

swingaloo

We have new neighbours, a young couple who I think are Chinese. 

They are a young couple and have moved here from around 30 miles away so probably dont have family round here and i want them to feel welcome. They have been working on the house and until today I wasn't sure they had actually moved in.

I had seen them outside a few days ago and just stopped and introduced myself and told them that if they needed anything I was next door but one.

Today I was so embarrassed, they called round while I was upstairs and hubby went to the side door. He is disabled and doesn't walk well so doesnt like having to answer the door. He is almost completely deaf (but wont admit it) and couldn't hear what they were saying plus the dog was barking from behind the gate so that made it worse. They had brought round a box of fragranced tea bags and a packet of biscuits. Hubby is also short sighted and thought they were selling something so although he was not at all rude he did do a 'not today thank you' type thing.

As I was coming downstairs I saw them through the front window and realised who it was just as hubby was telling me someone had been round trying to sell him something. I quickly ran out and caught them near the gate and explained that I was sorry if hubby had seemed a bit short with them but said he is deaf and didnt know they were the new neighbours. 
They smiled a lot and said they were going round the neighbours to let everyone know they had moved in. They also told me they had left  a card in my post box.
It was a lovely card saying they hoped to make friends in the neighbourhood and apologising for any inconvenience their parking may have caused (none) etc.

I thanked them very much and said I would invite them round for a cup of tea and chat soon but the lady shook her head and said something which I did not grasp but Im left wondering about protocol because of the culture difference and I want to do the right thing. I was waiting for them to move in then was going to send a Welcome to your new home' card but today Ive been a bit blindsided by the biscuits and tea bags and also finding out that they have actually moved in now.

I just wondered if there is a right thing to do or something I shouldnt do. I could go round with flowers and a card telling them who lives in our house and that if they need anything they can knock on our door but would that be seen as ok? 
Maybe Im over thinking it but I dont want to do anything that may be considered inappropriate.

Lorian

Chinese happy new year card and wish them a happy New year on Wednesday maybe.

swingaloo

Lorian said:

Chinese happy new year card and wish them a happy New year on Wednesday maybe.

Thank you for that idea. I didnt know it was Chinese New Year. One thing though- I am assuming they are Chinese, perhaps I need to clairfy that before sending a card in case they are another nationality.

gwynlas

You could take a couple of bunches of daffodils around on Wednesday anyway and just ask them what nationality they are and ask what the protocol is as they have already indicated that they wish to integrate.
People aren't generally offended by friendly enquiring gestures more by people making assumptions such as all asian looking people are chinese etc

FlorayG

Gwynlas has it correct - better to ask than assume. Even if they are Chinese by ethnicity they may not be Chinese by culture. Just go round with a very small gift and ask

PyGuru

If you want to connect without risking assumptions, here's an idea: craft a little "Neighborhood Cheat Sheet." It could include helpful info like nearby shops, the best local parks, and community events. It's practical, thoughtful, and avoids cultural missteps while opening the door to friendship.

Slinky

gwynlas said:

You could take a couple of bunches of daffodils around on Wednesday anyway and just ask them what nationality they are and ask what the protocol is as they have already indicated that they wish to integrate.
People aren't generally offended by friendly enquiring gestures more by people making assumptions such as all asian looking people are chinese etc

Lordy, this has 'where are you from, no, where are you really from?' written all over it.

I'd agree with the daffs bit, but I'd play it by ear about nationality etc until you get to know them better.

swingaloo

Thank you all. I have got a card and will call tomorrow with a bunch of flowers and just let them know that if they need any help with anything they can knock and ask. I dont know if they know the area or not so will play safe. 

pollypenny

You could take the daffodils and ask if they'll be celebrating Lunar New Year like you.  

'Lunar' is safer as it covers many eastern countries. 

BungalowBel

I'd just ask them their ethnicity and be done with it.  Never mind trying to 'guess'.  I might just say 'Are you Chinese?'  Then if they are not they will tell you their ethnicity.

(Note: Ethnicity, not nationality.  They may be British).

sheramber

Could you invite a couple of friendly neighbours for a cuppa and cake and invite them as well.

That would give you  chance to get to know them and them  you.