I used to leave the vaccuum out, plus a duster. I would quickly dust the most obvious area, like the coffee table and tv cabinet, that way it looked like someone interrupted me cleaning

Honestly though, having a duster just hanging about the lounge room is really handy. Quick dust of a shelf or two every now and then helps.
I dont own a duster. Lol sometimes I blow at it or wipe something with a tissue or cloth...