The Coffee Table

I'm not sure what it is, but it seems as if the coffee table is an abyss of things that have no proper place. Or maybe they do, but they end up there, and they stay for a while...a collect all of sorts..What is so appealing about the coffee table idea that makes it such an American tradition? Does this happen to everyone? A sea of clutter made up of mostly random things..cat treats, pens..nutella, nail polish..things that have no earthly right sitting next to each other in any other circumstances, but somehow, on the coffee table, all rules are barred! Does your coffee table collect things like this? How can I prevent it? Is this really what a coffee table's purpose truly is? Please! Enlighten me!