Originally Posted by catland
Did you ask him to set the table?
In all fairness, people aren't mind readers - and don't say "he should know better" - like I said, he's not a mind reader.
Also, how old are the kids? Can they set the table? If they are fairly young, get some indestructable plastic or corell plates. I set many a table when I was young. If this task is done before dinner is ready, then the problem should go away.
Next time he grabs one plate - give him the rest of the plates, give him a big hug, tell him how wonderful he is, and ask him and/or the kids to set the table.