How many pieces for a christmas puzzle?

[TheSurgeonsMate]

I don't often host christmas, but I thought having a puzzle out might be nice. I'll have seven adults in the house on christmas day, at least two of whom are known to actively enjoy puzzling. But to make it sociable I think we'd want to see good progress. Is 500 bits the right size for the occasion?

I haven't done a puzzle for a while - I think I'd consider 1,000 bits to be the standard "worth doing" puzzle that wouldn't be finished too soon.

Any experience?

1,000 will take quite a bit of space to lay all the pieces out. May be better if you have guests over a few days.

Warning - people can get very territorial over jigsaws! My mum freaks out if I join pieces together that don't yet link to any other piece. She looks for the 'next piece' that fits rather than scanning for similar colours etc. Personally I think her way is nuts and takes forever.

better I think your mother's approach is a shocker. It must take forever. And you never get that moment when two growing bits just suddenly fit together.

If it's just one day, could we make meaningful progress with 500 pieces do you think?

I think if you have a thousand pieces then everyone can do their own 'section' I.e someone working on sky, someone on a character etc. if you have a too-small puzzle then you run the risk of too much crowding.... I come from a big family so have extensive experience. My vote is 1000

Kirstoll That crazy "someone" working on the sky is a mate of mine who does it by shape not colour. She's handy to have around, I can tell you.

I vote for 1000 as well - too small and as kirstoll says, there's a chance of crowding. It's still not that big, so I think you'd see some progress still.

We've just bought a 3000 piece to take away with us to keep us out of mischief in the evenings

I get bored by sky..... Too blue for my liking! Your friend could join my puzzles!!! Am more of a railing fan
dh is too boring hardworking to sit and play puzzles so am limited to 20 piece ones with DD !