Disclaimer: This probably isn't the best sub to post this in, I know, but I've found the ladies here to be really insightful and romantic so I'd like to see how this goes. If you know of any threads that pertain to my question, I'd appreciate a link!

ANYWAY, like the title says, I've been working across-country since January and I've been given the opportunity to finally head back home, much earlier than expected.

I've already sent my boyfriend a small gift in the mail from my temporary working address, which should be arriving the day before I show up (just to throw him off the trail).

I've gotten in contact with my boyfriend's best friend and asked if he would be my accomplice in surprising my man when I come home.

I don't want to surprise him while he is unprepared (like, just showing up to his house) because if he did that to me I would honestly be lowkey irritated. I want to use his friend to get him out of the house, perhaps somewhere nice so he is put together, and reveal myself then.

Does anyone here have any romantic ideas on how to pull this off? Is there a nice venue/atmosphere that's good for this kind of thing? What other little things (like the gift in the mail) can I do to ensure he doesn't suspect anything? Should I bring him something (like men usually do with flower bouquets) to give to him when he sees me?