I use two or three tables pushed together at our fellowship hall at Church. I tape, but not so tight that it stretches the backing, then smooth the batting on, then safety pin the top. I try and find a friend to help, so there is one on each side or end of the quilt. I tried on the carpet but that didn't work for me. I found that when I am quilting I have to start in the center of the quilt and go so far out in all four directions, then finish out on one side, or end etc. I learned that I must start in the center years ago when I did a king size quilt and started on one end, had to take everything out. and start over - experience is a good but sometimes mean teacher. I have never sent my quilts out to be quilted. I don't do fancy quilting like feathers, etc, but do use stencils a lot, or stitch in the ditch. I only machine quilt.
I also wear gloves when quilting and try and keep the underside as well as the top as smooth as possible with my hands.If I can I often hold my left hand on the underside of the quilt, which helps keep it smooth, sometimes I can't do this on diff. parts of the quilt. I check the backside often, so I can get any puckers that might occur smoothed out before I get too far along on the quilt. Hope this helps, good luck.