The key to keeping counters free of the clutter that can accumulate is to clear all but the essentials according to Joanna Gaines. This means having sufficient kitchen storage elsewhere to tuck things away that are less frequently needed or unattractive, as well as finding stylish crocks, cannisters, baskets, vessels, and other containers to corral smaller objects and ingredients or keep them out of sight.

This also may mean searching out things that have a double duty, as recommended in Gaine’s book Homebody, like a cute charger plate or cutting/breadboard that can serve as a charger or tray for other smaller objects, or cookbooks that can serve as both reading material and risers for objects on the counter. Objects with dual use mean less stuff in general on the counter, making it easier to both keep the counters clean and free of debris and give a more orderly look to the kitchen overall.