Correct order of courses on a menu

i am planning a christmas dinner
and i pretty much i have my menu set

i just cant work out the order
(its the crab salad/soup order that causes me most oncern)

1)canapes - mushroom soup - crab salad - meat course - salad/cheese - dessert - petit fours & coffee

or

2)canapes - crab salad - mushroom soup - meat course salad/cheese - dessert - petit fours & coffee

I am not certain if you are supposed to start light and get progrssively heavier

or

alternate light/heavier/lighter/heavy

my boyfriend is Fench which means it is predetermined that we will have the salad and cheese after main course and before dessert

anyone know of any websites explaining how to choose a menu order?
or anyone have any tips?

thanks,
Sam