There are several 'easy' things to start with. As you feel more comfortable, you can try more involved patterns. As far as an overall pattern with a home machine (and on a smallish top) try going diagonally thru the whole top. Start with the center diagonal and work outward. Then turn around and work the other side. If you choose to do both directions, follow this same procedure. This allows for the least amount of fabric in your machine and will keep your frustration levels down. As far as the borders, how about using a decorative stitch on your machine rather than a FMQ? I love a stitch that looks like a wavy line with a tiny leaf. I use this on so many of my items. It is easy, decorative and very functional. I like to use a variegated thread for a bit more textured look. Again, the point is to make you feel accomplished and want to try more difficult things. The root cause of UFOs is frustration!