I have to bring the kids to the main floor in order to do meal prep and I keep them underfoot or closeby while I make lunch or clean up from meals or prep. We also craft on the main floor.

The kids seem to love the change of scenery. I set up a few toys in the living room like blocks, cars, a dollhouse and a grocery cart. Half the kids tend to be in the kitchen with me and want to see what I am doing and asking me questions about our meals or telling me something about themselves. Sometimes I will put music on for them or put out a special toy on the coffee table i.e a puzzle.

I am not sure they would stay somewhere where they can't see you and anyone under 2 will likely cry if you are out of sight.

I think you probably like to keep your main living area like your own house and not a daycare centre. I don't necessarily want my whole house having a daycare look so I don't have any toys in my dining room and I keep my hallway looking like a normal hallway and try to minimize the toys in the main level too....but it is unavoidable to have toys around when you need those 20 minutes to prep meals or clean up after them.