I don't have space in my sewing room to have a cutting area and an ironing area on a table.
I throw a old cream coloured wool blanket folded twice over the ironing board surface. The weight of the blanket holds it flat and it spans the WHOLE ironing board. My ironing board cover is one of those foil heat reflective ones. It does the trick. Also, I can use spray starch etc and then when it gets grubby, throw it in the wash. Friend of mine has wool pressing mat, I tried it but didn't see any noticeable difference to what I use to justify the expense. I would rather spend my money on fabric.