Any jigsaw puzzle fans?

I know we had a thread not too long about about jigsaw puzzles.  I bought a couple that I'd like to do and frame for my 5 year old DD's bedroom.  

My question is; are puzzle mats worth it?  I remember my mother using a large sheet of cardboard and sliding it under the couch; but she was never really "into" them.  I have a 2 year old as well; so I can't leave the puzzle anywhere the kids can get into it.  One puzzle is 750 pieces, the other is 1000; so I'll need time and I'll have to do it in stages.  So is a puzzle mat worth buying?  Or do they just make things harder?  I could always find cardboard; but I'm not sure where I'd be able to stash it without carrying it across the house every time I work on it. 

They are really pretty puzzles!  Both are "fine art" type paintings of Cinderella's castle.  One is by Thomas Kinkade.  The other is by Peter Ellenshaw (who did a lot of work for Disney).  I bought that one years ago; just because I liked it, and it's been in it's box (still wrapped in cellophane) ever since.  But now I have a reason to put it together.  I just looked up "Disney Fine Art Puzzles" on Amazon and they are selling that puzzle for $40!  I sure didn't pay that!  Another seller is asking $80!  But I'm not looking to sell.  These puzzles will look nice framed and hung on DD's wall.  She is into the princess phase; and I'd like to bring some of that to her bedroom without being overly juvenile.    

I found a Little Mermaid one for my BFF too.  And a regular Thomas Kinkade one for myself.  

Are you talking about a flat board, or a flexible roll up mat?

I remember my grandmother had a flat board with edges that she would use.  She would put it out on the table when we worked on the puzzle, then stash it under the guest bed when she needed the table.

I see there are now these flexible roll up mats... Not sure how good they are at keeping the loose pieces, and I would think the finished parts of the puzzle would break up when rolled.

Im not sure what is best. I had the same thoughts about the roll up mats breaking things up. I was thinking of seeing if i have any binder clips lying around. I could "sandwich" the puzzle between 2 foam boards and clip it together. I already have foam board on hand.

I also thought of the tri-fold cardboard displays we used back in my high school days. That could work as long as its wide enough. I'd keep the pieces in the box. Ziplock bags could separate them after sorting.

I've thought about getting a puzzle mat, but I wanted a roll-up type, and all the reviews on Amazon indicated that roll-up was not the way to go. The best reviews went to wood types that were flat--and cost substantially more.

My parents used to be really into puzzles and I bought them a roll-up mat years ago. They didn't like it. You couldn't slide the pieces, so they really preferred a large board.