Hi Ray,
I had the same problem. I have plantation shutters in the family/lounge are and had heaps of trouble deciding what to put on the sliding door. In our last house we had drapes so that was a defeinite no - always blowing outside when you open the door, kids grubby handprints as they go in and out.
We have a sliding plantation shutter on our balcony door in the bedroom but couldn't have this in the family area because for starters we couldn't afford another one and secondly we have a sliding screen door as well and I thought it would look ridiculous and be impractical to have 3 sling doors together.
I dithered for ages and eventually put verticals. Since they look out to the alfresco they are slid back to either side all day. They look quite good and best of all they were nice and cheap so when I change my mind or save some more money i won't mind replacing them!!!
I saw the timber verticals Michelle mentioned and they look really great but that was after I had these installed.
BMP - I have some white holland blinds as well as the timber venetians (different rooms). The holland blinds block out a lot more light. That might influence your decision. Also, the holland blinds are so much cheaper you wouldn't mind replacing them a room at a time if you install plantation shutters at a later date.