I am a newbie so I will just suggest what I have done and what works for me.
I have no table and I wouod never get up after being on the floor even for one quilt. I also am like the person that says the safty pins get in the way. Soooo. If you have a wall large enough put newpaper or some type of quard. then with a stool I am very short (I need 2 stools) put your backing up from your quilt to where all edges of your wall are protectd. You can use whatever works to keep the quilt up patinters tape ect. this way you can see if you backing is strait and you can smooth out aa you go down. Gravity at this poiont is your friend.
You said you didn't want to use spray. This only stays on until washed. If you are giveng it to children etc. washing is very necessary
Spraaying the adhesive from the top down. Fold the quilt so it unfolds as you go down also the batting should unfold the same way.
When you are done have another pair of hands to help and at that time if you can roll the quilt up at least one way. Or howerer you are going to put it into your sewing machine. Alway start in the middle of the quilt. I have found the spray to hole much better than pins. Make sure you're feet are down or covered if your machine doesn't have the ablitly to drop them.
Hope this helps
Julie