Preparing for Ladies Night

I confess, dinner tonight will consist of a pre-made meal I picked up while grocery shopping at Whole Foods today. There are a couple reasons why I do not feel too bad though. Tomorrow night I am having friends over for dinner. My planned menu includes: a cheese course, orange and fennel salad, coq au vin with roasted potatoes and a dessert (still to be determined). The second reason is because just a few nights ago I had made a delicious chicken marsala. The dish was flavorful, but straight-forward: chicken with mushrooms, garlic, marsala wine, chicken broth, thyme and parsley, served over pasta.