My concise, incomplete, guide:
Place farm next to turnip.
Place quarry next to mountain.
Place mine next to mountain
Place house on top of house
Place lighthouse next to water
Place ship next to lighthouse or fish
Place church (and inn) next to houses
Whenever you place a house, make sure you have two spots next to it (for both inn and church)
Each time you make a correct placement you get more stuff which will prolong the game and help you get to more advanced things