I just did one almost that big. I am sold on quilt basting spray..505 is my fav so far. With the spray the layers stay together so well the quilting goes so much easier.
I always start in the middle and work my way out and around. You should never have more then half of it in the neck of the machine. Keep a large area around you to work in. Your ironing board works well here on your left side.
Just take your time and relax.
Of coarse I always make a practice run first to check the stitching and practice my quilting.
Ditter