Lee in Richmond

I was given a piece of fabric that seems like the prefect colors for my son's dining room, and he said he would like a runner for his buffet. Okay so far. I was also given a lovely hank of cotton I could use for backing, and of course have lots of batting.

The issue is the top -- it is probably polyester, as I threw it in the washer and it came out okay. It is silky and embroidered (photo below), and will likely show holes, but I really do not know whether to try to run stitches close to the embroidery in some places, or just span the 20" width unencumbered. . .

To quilt or not to quilt? I do not see how I could tie it, what with the embroidery.

I am using Hobbs Heirloom Cotton batting.