Thanksgiving is a bit like mock A-levels. It has many of the same rituals, food and ceremony as Christmas but with none of the tinsel, gift-giving and family pressures. It's kind of like a trial-run where you can test out a seating plan for dysfunctional relatives or perfect your turkey-basting skills.

Thanksgiving will take place this year on October 8th for Canadians and November 22nd for Americans. Many butchers in London cater to the expat community by selling turkeys and you can raid the American-Jewish deli Panzers in St. John's Wood for things like graham crackers, and cranberries.

The following recipes will help guide you through making your own stylish Thanksgiving feast. If you've never roasted a turkey before, it really isn't that difficult. Just get yourself a meat thermometer and remember to roast the legs for an extra 45 minutes.