I have Celiac Disease. It's easier to manage than an allergy. If you have messy eaters, then put the child in a separate eating area and then it's simply a matter of cleaning hands and faces and sweeping/mopping the floor until the child is old enough not to pick up crumbs left by messy friends.
I have a child size eating table. So mostly food mess is there. My group has learned fast that even if they bring food from home the have to sit on that table to eat. Noone is allowed walking and eating. While they're ocupied playing I just wipe and sweep, usually right after snacks and lunch.
I have a child washing hand sink size right beside this table (so everyone washes hands before going to play and/or before meals.) It also helps to have in that section a disinfectant spray (labeled as daycare eating table and counter), and a small broom/dust pan and garbage in my cabinet. Also many, many tea towels and face cloths and bibs. All this just for this area.
All this helps my eating area stay spotless. It also helps me not to be wondering around home looking for cleaning stuff. Or children walking around with sticky hands. They learn the routine very quick, wait usually around our tiny sink to wash hands etc.
If you normally use toddler sized chairs (I have the stacking ones from Costco which are great), you could also use an old coffee table to use as a separate eating place. I found an old one advertised locally and just repainted it. It's great for days when only 4 children are in as it saves getting out the normal, folding, height adjustable table I use for when the full crew are here or for crafts.
Many years ago I use to use the little tikes picnic table for six. One side was placed against the wall so younger ones won't fall. It was really convenient to lift on the side and sweep under or fold it down and make an indoor picnic. I would say better than my new arrangement (table and chairs) and I will just change my table cloths for crafts or meals ;0)
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