This is what works for me (I have a few messy eaters):

1. use multiple dishes and put in VERY LITTLE food per dish. So, I have to put food out 3 times per day, at least it is cleaned up in between me putting it down. Yes, they DO go back and eat up all the crumbs if there aren't any larger pieces about.

2. Set the dishes on a boot tray (can get those for about $4 at a DIY hardware store). Catches most of the crumbs.

I liked Medusa's idea as will, will have to look into that.