My dad always wanted a dessert after dinner - even if it was a small bowl of jello or ice cream. Once and while he would be satisfied with a piece of fruit, but usually wanted something else. Cakes and pies were for special occasions but sometimes when he went out to dinner (which was often) he would splurge and have a dessert at the restaurant but usually would wait and have something light when he got home. But when I grew up we always had some form of bread on the table too. Since my husband was not used to either tradition we discontinued it after we got married.