I perfer plain white dishes. Once the food is on them, the designs goes away so I never understood the attraction. Are they pretty, of course they are.

I agree with LyonStill. You want the food(especially if they are pretty desserts) to be the center of attention, not the plates. One can't never get sick of white plates.

I have begn a collection of vintage thrift store Asian designs of lusterware dessert/bread plates. My regular dishes are plain black, but as you say, dessert plates can be more fun. My plates have dragons, cherry blossoms and pagodas (three different patterns) and David's Cookies cheescakes (found at Costco on occasion) taste exceptionally well on them!! ;^)

I have plain whiteware too, but like to use decorative smaller plates either for appetizers or dessert. It adds a little fun and I like being able to switch things up for the seasons.

I've got white dessert dishes as well, but I sometimes like to mix it up when I feel a bit funky with my guests!