[dafischer]

We've got many uses for paper plates...
Staging sliced vegetables (onions, mushrooms, peppers, etc) when cooking a main course. Slice 'em up, measure 'em out, on the paper plate, and dump in when necessary. Why dirty dishes for this?
Covering stuff in the microwave whilst nuking. (already mentioned)
Lunch. We both work at home, so lunch is usually a quick sandwich & chips. Why dirty dishes for this?
I could go on.....
Paper plates are cheap. We buy your very basic, generic store brand paper plates.
All dinners are on proper plates and dishes, however, as it should be.