Just got this tree and we LOVE it! When we put the first section in we couldn’t find the foot pedal but realized it was in the next section. Once we figured that out it was a breeze! You have to plug each section together which I actually like better than the base plug like other trees. All the lights work perfect and they are very “warm” white which I love! I think it has 8 or 9 different lighting functions which is great! The tree took probably an hour and a half to fluff but it is very full when finished. I hate the fluffing part but it has to be done with every tree. The stand is metal not plastic and very large and sturdy. The tree does have a good amount of lights but I always add red green and white lights so I do have more than comes on it. The picture is just with the white lights and the ones I added. Very large and very full. It is a great price and an excellent tree! Hoping it will last for many years!