I had my husband make me a cover from the old plywood, 3/8ths. We used piano hinges and I simply fold it out on the dining table when I'm ready to do the basting and sandwich. It is folded and next to refrigerator so that it's always handy. I use painters tape to secure the edges and move the quilt as I need to. I usually start in the middle of the quilt, just as I do when I begin the actual quilting. That way everything stays as even and flat as it can.
One of these days I'll have a space to set up the board on a higher level and not have to stay in bed for days afterward. Norah has the ideal, a camper that's her Quilting House, decked out for Quilting.
You'll get it, it's fun no matter how you find your 'sandwich' spot.
Happy Quilting,
Sharon