Yes I was going to suggest something similar - a home cooked meal, with candles on the table.
OT, but has anyone seen the new IKEA catalogue, the 2006 one? FULL of lovely dinnerwear, cutlery, candleholders, and even the candles!
A nice surprise might be one of their candle chandeliers that you install whilst he's away, then a meal by candlelight.
But with a nice clean house and no piles of washing laying about
!