Counter clutter

I loathe countertop clutter. Oh, my cabinets may be full-to-burstin', my back bent from moving that mixer, but those counters will remain clear if it's the last thing I do. In fact, clearing the counters IS the last chore I do when closing the kitchen at night. There's nothing more luxurious than an empty workspace in the morning.

My new concession is this wood handled basket. My aunt used it for a garden party, after which it held verbena on my patio, followed by a short decorative stint atop the fridge. Now it corrals too-tall bottles and everyday condiments near my stove. Truly, what is more versatile than a good basket?

It's still clutter, but at least it's working clutter, neatly contained.