How do you keep your kitchen counter clean?

It is a constant battle for me. I have added a few storage places like a tiered basket for fruit & such that don't need to be put away. I also got a pretty metal basket for bread & buns. Every night before I leave the kitchen I give it a wipe down and put away items that shouldn't have been left out.

All that said, our bar right now is a tool center because we are remodeling the bedroom off the kitchen and it's just a temporary evil I live with because putting all that away would mean we wouldn't work on it as often. But the end is in sight!

Oh dear, one of my pet peeves too. I started with getting one small stand. Found a cute metal 3 tear stand. Small things could go there like mail, phones, or things that had to be handy soon. Everything else I found a new home for and then warned everyone that if they really wanted that, put in the stand or their pocket, because I would be trashing. Had the same problem with the coffee table. And nothing worked, so I just got rid of it.

This is a good site. The 10 commandments of a clutter-free kitchen:

https://www.thekitchn.com/the-10-commandments-of-a-clutter-free-kitchen-life-in-the-kitchen-218798

Just get rid of everything

A place for everything, and everything in its place. This usually requires cleaning out the kitchen cupboards..... purge all the stuff you don't use. I do this usually everyother year unless I've accumulated too many new gadgets. This year I've given away the new Intapot I never used, and the slow cooker I've used once, and assorted large pots I rarely use.

Have you watched the Marie Kondo Netflix series? Best cure for my countertops (and habit of stashing things in the cupboards) ever!

My suggestion would be to remove EVERYTHING from your counters and then consider what items I use on a daily basis and place them back on the counter. If they are small items, perhaps placing them in a shallow tray would make the area look more well-cared for. Other items not used regularly could be placed where they are within easy reach but not on the counter. Perhaps a large lazy susan in one of the corners of your counter, if you have them, would also make items easily accessible withut cluttering large lengths of your counter.