Luck is the theme for New Year's Eve at home.

This probably isn't a year to serve lobster and caviar (although lobster prices did recently hit a record low). So why not ring in a merry new year with some lucky new year's foods, which happen to be as inexpensive as they are delicious? Lentils, rice and black-eyed peas are all supposed to bring riches in the new year, so depending on your heritage or culinary habits, you might serve lentils and sausage, risotto or Southern greens with black-eyed peas.

Or, steal a trick from the Greeks. They slip a coin into a baking cake. Whoever winds up with the right slice will be lucky in money in the new year. Just warn your guests first!