No snow here, but plenty of icicle lights. I was conversing with a GC friend about the nets-I too think they have a stilted look. I like to cover a tree with accent on three branches then come from behind with lights that twinkle. I was looking for a short cut this year, but there just aren't any. I usually don't like to see a mix of color and white, but I must say our NEW neighbors have mixed "pearl" with very soft colors and it is really pretty. I hate those refrigerator bulbs on the strands, but if you get fog, I have to admit, at least they show up. Lots of people go the professional route. I'd rather do it myself and have people ask-"Who did your lights/mantle/candelabra?"