To bring good fortune in the coming year, I would be sure to add at least a few luxury foods. Caviar always makes a statement and conveys a sense of pampering decadence. Smoked seafood makes a beautiful presentation, requires no work by the host, and is great for brunch. You can pick from any of these smoked possibilities: salmon, mussels, shrimp, trout, scallops, tuna or whitefish. Serve small slices of pumpernickel bread, water crackers, dill mayonnaise, horseradish sauce, capers and chopped red onion on the side.

Traditional good luck foods for New Year's Day are usually representative of coins or dollars. A Southern favorite is Hoppin' John, a recipe made with black-eyed peas. Collards are another Southern favorite, with the collards representing dollar bills. In Italian culinary tradition, lentils fulfill the edible promise of money, and they can be prepared with or without meat. In Chinese culture there are several good luck foods such as noodles for long life, or spring rolls representative of gold bars. You might even have your own lucky foods such as the popcorn you ate during your first date with your spouse or the mango you had on the morning your first child was born. Don't be shy about incorporating your own special traditions into your feast and sharing the fortune with your guests.

You will also want a few fill-in buffet items such as a green salad, or fruit salad, both of which can be purchased pre-washed and cut at your local supermarket the day before. Don't forget a selection of bread. A platter of gourmet cheeses can be quickly laid out that morning.

Finally, don't forget dessert! Everything can be purchased through mail order or online. Cheesecakes, chocolate tortes, pies, chocolates, layer cakes, pick your passion, but make it all as sweetly decadent as you can imagine. After all, by treating yourself and friends well on New Year's Day, you've set the best precedent of all for the rest of the year.

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