This is a very nice cupcake stand. It does not come with instructions, so I really don't know how to add the lights, but it was easy to figure out how to assemble. The lights are okay, they are just your basic set of string lights. The stand has protective film on both sides of each acrylic tier, and the acrylic tier supports are thick and sturdy. I removed a corner of the protective film and the tiers are crystal clear. NOTE: In the last picture the tiers don't look clear, only because I kept the protective film on them.