The basic setting is appropriate to start with. As the meal progresses, specialty silverware and glassware should be brought to the table with the appropriate course. This is a rather informal option that's great when the dinner table will not hold all of the serving dishes and place settings comfortably. All of the dishes are arranged on a table separate from the dinner table and guests are invited to serve themselves. Or, if you choose this option, stack the plates neatly on the buffet table.
Guests serve themselves and are invited to sit at the table or mingle while eating.
All of the dishes make their first appearance on the dinner table and are placed on a separate buffet table for the guests to serve themselves seconds at their own leisure. The basic setting is appropriate. Decorated tables center the gathering by capturing the guests attention as they sit down and causing them to enter another, more intimate, space. Centerpieces can be as large, small, complex or simple as you wish. Don't get too extravagant, though.