Mr/Mrs "Molten Metal"...

Following the samel logic in your example story.. You should not ask for plates anywhere if you are not given ones coz this is considered 'distraction'.. You should not even have plates at your home...!!

-Do you have plates at your home??
-If you are invited to one of your friends' homes and are given food with no plates while they (the hosts) are eating in plates, would you ask for plates..??