A topsy-turvy financial world affects palate and dining style. As Pluto opposes Cancer, guardian of the stomach and culinary delights, how we eat has changed. Besides comfort foods being in demand, here are some astro-dining tips for the 2009 Holiday season.

Aries - (March 21 - April 20)
With your reputation turned upside down, be ready for dinners with new people. Break the tension at the table by serving novelty foods, preferably finger style! Be bold and bohemian with presentation skills.

Taurus - (April 21 - May 20)
Schmoozing is required. Influential people will have you sipping or pouring the "vino." A steep learning curve pays off. Treat your support team to a hearty meal. Their patience has been admirable.

Gemini - (May 21 - June 21)
Bone up on epicurean history to match the wits of your learned guests. Academics and scholars flock to your kitchen or favorite booth. After the coffee is served, hold back a surprise course, to cool off a heated political discussion.

Cancer - (June 22 - July 22)
From politicians to trollops your dining table creates buzz. Reserve the private dining room or use the back entrance to avoid wild speculation. Be wary of seductive entrees both on and around the table.

Leo - (July 23 - August 23)
The mix of politics and melodrama in the workplace gives new meaning to "carryover cooking". Rise above the din by soliciting donations for the local food bank or needy pantry. Charity puts you on the winning side of the divide.

Virgo - (August 24 - September 22)
The misadventures of men gone wild dominate table topics. Take care not to overcook the food, less the conversation be juicier than the fare. Self-discipline is required for unsupervised lunches.

Libra - (September 23 - October 23)
Concerns over home and family are soothed by gathering friends and families around the table. Drop pretenses. Less than perfect presentation is overlooked in lieu of genuine warmth and camaraderie.

Scorpio - (October 24 - November 22)
Say goodbye to dining traditions. Re-invent yourself and holiday food traditions. New faces at the table support experimentation. Embrace family history and elders. Hidden benefits await.

Sagittarius - (November 22 - December 21)
You sound like a politician as you plan fiscally-responsible meal plans. Focus on unusual food venues, rather than the food you eat. Ethnic dinners fit the bill nicely.

Capricorn - (December 22 - January 20)
If we truly are what we eat, embrace the shift in eating habits. Rubbing elbows with genteel tablemates lies in stark contrast to personal chaos. Let go of holding tight, and financial issues will ease.

Aquarius - (January 21 - February 18)
Hypnotic storylines of secrets and woes are seductive. Help those who help themselves. Pour a signature cocktail for the rest. Your alchemy skills behind the bar are noted.

Pisces - (February 18 - March 20)
A recent move has taken you out of your comfort zone. Where to dine? Who to dine with? Good karma and new dining partners are met at support groups, churches and seminars.