Sort by destination before washing and storing
Identify borrowed trays, containers guests brought, and pieces that belong to the household. Put a name beside anything that must travel home or return later. If a guest is leaving before cleanup finishes, ask how they want to receive the item and whether any lid or utensil belongs with it.
Divide jobs by what must be ready next
Divide the remaining work into concrete jobs. One person can clear and return the table, while another handles dishes and restores the usual work surface. If a nonessential job waits until tomorrow, give it an owner. “Return Jo's platter on Sunday” is easier to finish than “sort out the party stuff.”
One person can clear the table for breakfast while another restores the sink and counter for morning cooking. Agree which job includes putting away the last clean pieces. A tray cleaned tonight but left in the only breakfast workspace still leaves someone with an unexpected task.
Close outstanding returns
Make a brief list such as “Jo's white platter and lid, return Sunday at lunch.” Keep those items separate from your own dishes once clean. If you cannot identify an owner, send a private photo to likely hosts or guests rather than guessing. When the return happens, remove its reminder so the departure spot stays useful.