I have a lovely dish from anthropologie that I would love to display in a similar manner...but how exactly can one fasten these places securely to the wall without potential damage to the plates?

Joanne, I don't know how that specific arrangement was done, but they make plate hangers that grab on to the backs of plates with springs: http://www.nationalartcraft.com/images/sub-0167-01.jpg

looking closely, i think i can see the prongs of plate hangers like eskay is talking about. these are not expensive and come in different sizes - just make sure to get the right size for your plate(s)! (said from experience...) i got mine at the hardware store.

I read somewhere that the hangers with the spring aren't good for the plates -- the constant pressure can lead to cracking. There are adhesive hangers that I have had good luck with or you can make your own custom fit wire hangers http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/wire-plate-hangers

Perfect! I like these simple options, thank you very much : D

I don't normally like the plate display thing except for Kelly Werstler's. But, I love how these are displayed. I love that they are bunched in some areas and more open in others.
Very cleaver.

I think the adhesive hangers are best for a situation like this.

If no one cooks on the mini-stove, the plates won't collect grease and dust. Otherwise.....

This kind of an arrangement has been in the Pottery Barn catalog as of late (they even sell a bunch of coordinating plates so you don't have to hit the flea markets). Maybe the catalog will give you installation advice. With this freefall look, I wouldn't use the spring-loaded holders that show the clips in the front of the plates; those will just ruin the look.

I think that's a great look, and I'd love to do it. Could pick a theme as above, like antique florals.

A color combo, like blue and white.

Could do it with seasonal things, I'm thinking the inexpensive melamine patterns that come out each summer. Bright, happy, tropical florals and fish and trees and bright solids.

Ha! Check it out, 4 different wood patterned melamine plates set:
http://tinyurl.com/6zzjr4

I really like the layered appearance of this display. I just know that I would never get it to look like that. Sigh.

Palmetto is right. I'd love to hang something over the stove since it's such a big blank space but I'm limited b/c of the grease/gunk/heat factor. It has to be something that will stand up to the heat and gunk that stoves create. I would hate to scrub a giant cluster of plates all the time...the dishes in the sink are enough for me, lol.

I've been thinking about using the adhesive plate hangers but I'm still a little hesitant. Does anyone know if they are removable? Do they leave a stain/adhesive film?

Ooh, pretty... I sort of prefer to use my old china, but there's getting to be so much that maybe it *should* go on the walls. Re: grease from the stove-- we have an inexpensive wood frame with a small old print in it over ours. It's easy to wipe off grease spatters occasionally, and I don't worry too much because it was cheap. Heat doesn't seem to be a problem-- it goes straight up. With the plates, on the bright side they would probably look fine hanging a little higher than you would normally place art, so you could get a little more space away from the stove that way.

love it

Adhesive Plate Hangers like the one here at http://www.allplatehangers.com/Plate-Hangers do not leave a film or stain. They can easily be removed with some warm water and do not damage the plate. Don't use them on a plate that is hand painted on the back, and not fired. There are other types of adhesive hangers, but these are the only ones I would trust.