Throwing a formally dinner party doesnt need to be a stressful occasion. You can really impress your family and friends and make even Miss Manners proud if you know how to host an event properly. And, if you know how to set a formal table, your food will present in a much more appealing way.

There are several items that you will need to set a completed table. Formal dinnerware, along with a complete set of flatware will make for a nice looking table when used along with fine glassware and table linens.

Dinner plates need to be centered in front of each chair, if using placemats, they should be center in front of each chair with the dinner plates centered on the placemats
Soup bowls should sit on top of each dinner plate
Salad plates are placed to the left of and just above the forks or on top of the dinner plate, if there is no soup to be served.
The bread plate should be placed to the right and slightly above the salad plate.
You can also bring each courses plates out with that serving of the meal, so that p each appropriate plate is placed on top of the dinner plate with each specific course. For example, soup bowls are placed and removed, to be replaced with salads plates, etc. Get creative with how you fold your nalpkins and make your table elegant and original!
Napkins can be placed on the plate, under the forks, or inside the drinking glass.
Water glasses are placed to the right of the knife. Wine glasses and other drinking glasses areplaced next to the drinking glasses.
Cups and saucers are put near the knives, or can be brought out after the meal, if coffee or tea are only being served with dessert.
Silverware that is used first should be the furthest away from the dinner plate so that your guests will be using their flatware from the outside and work towards the plate.
Forks are placed to the left of the dinner plate; knives and spoons go to the right.
Knives should be placed with their cutting-edge toward the dinner plate, except the butter knife which should be laid flat on a bread plate.
Utensils should be about 1/2-inch away from the plate or each other, and they should also be lined up evenly from their bottoms. Each course should have its own utensil, but don't overdo it.
Dessert silverware can be originally placed at the table setting if you wish. The dessert fork or spoon should be centered above and parallel to the dinner plate.

And remember to relax and enjoy the company of your friends and family, After all, isnt that the reason you decided to invite them in the first place?