How to Set a Formal Holiday Table:

The dinner plate belongs in the center of each place setting and serves as the foundation for the rest of the tableware. For a more formal presentation, place a decorative charger beneath it. If you’re serving an appetizer or salad before the main course, the appropriate plate may be layered on top. 
 

Forks belong to the left of the dinner plate and should be arranged according to the order in which they’ll be used. If salad precedes the entrée, position the salad fork to the left of the dinner fork.
 

Knives and spoons belong to the right of the dinner plate. The dinner knife sits closest to the plate with its blade facing inward. If soup is served first, place the soup spoon to the right of the knife.

The bread-and-butter plate belongs above the forks at the upper left. Place a butter knife horizontally or diagonally across it. 
 

Water and wine glasses belong above the knives on the upper-right side. Place the water glass above the dinner knife, then arrange red and white wine glasses nearby as needed. You do not need multiple wine glasses if you are serving only one type of wine.

Dessert utensils may be placed horizontally above the dinner plate or brought out with dessert. A dessert spoon typically has its handle pointing right, while a dessert fork has its handle pointing left. Place the napkin on the plate or to the left of the forks. Add a napkin ring, greenery, ribbon, or a small ornament.