I’ve also seen the clear plastic plates that have a pattern “engraved” in the middle of the plate (like roses.) If you can find a party store, you can also get platters that look like silver, but are plastic. I was actually surprised when my sister showed them to me and said they weren’t real.
We have a couple of party stores here but they’re not as well stocked as you describe. I’m going to go to Columbus or Birmingham.