I have one of those booster/high chair deals (from Fisher price, it turns into a suitcase?). I keep on my kitchen counter at all times with the back of it to the wall (so baby wont fall off of the counter). I can do dishes, cook meals, eat meals, clean the kitchen, feed the cats, ect. All I have to do is dump some food on her tray or some toys (she likes to play with the bubbles from the dishes) and she'll stay happy there for a long time. It's been working for over eight months now.
It might seem kind of obvious, but my other trick is to use a sling for baby. I can wear one and vacuum, take out the trash, go get the laundry, get the mail, pick up things around the house. Works great.