I took a bunch of cardboard boxes apart and taped them together to make a cover for my kitchen table. I then lay the backingand clamp so its taut, lay on the batting and smooth it out, then lay on the top.
I either spray baste while I am laying it out (smoothing small sections at a time) or I pin baste it with the curved pins after I get the top placed. I also use a crochet hook to close the pins.
Cathe...that quilt you are basting looks fabulous!