Charming

Hi all

I just finishe twelve placemats but I don't know how to quilt them. I don't like to turn as I like the look of binding. I have a long arm with the robot but I disengaged the robot so I can practice some stippling and ruler work. What would be the simplest way to quilt these. I am pressed in time as they are a Christmas gift and need time binding (besides a gazillion project I need to finish). I don't do free motion yet except for the stipple but I am not sure if this is ok to do on these.
The other thing is thread what do you match thread color with, backing or front. This is so confusing for me. I bought connecting thread essential pro to try so we,ll see but should I use red or the gold-ish color? It is actually called Tea Dyed
Thanks
Ps the red dotted fabric is the border and for the backing.