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We've got a distinct nightscape here: the Golden Driller keeping watch, the Blue Dome’s glow, Route 66 neon winking down 11th Street, and the soft, family-friendly vibe of Gathering Place after sunset. That mix—warm, inviting, not blinding—is the perfect inspiration for your own yard. Get the glow right (color & placement) Color temperature: Aim for warm 2700–3000K LEDs for patios and facades. It flatters Tulsa brick, redbuds, and pecans, and feels more “Utica Square at the holidays” than harsh parking-lot white. Shield it. Use fixtures with visors/guards so light goes down the walk, not into a neighbor’s bedroom. Layer like a stage: Soft path lights + subtle tree uplights + one focal wash (address stone, art, or mature tree) = depth without glare. Wiring that survives our summers and surprise downpours Connections are king. Use weather-rated connectors and gel-filled caps for landscape runs; heat/cool cycles won’t loosen them easily. In-use covers & GFCI: Every exterior receptacle you use for string lights or smart plugs should have a good in-use cover. Test the GFCI button before party season. String-light sanity: Look for commercial-grade strings with replaceable bulbs and metal hanging points. A tension cable between two anchors keeps spans straight over longer patios. Smart timing like a Tulsa venue Astronomical timers auto-adapt to our changing sunset times—no fiddling after Daylight Saving shifts. Zones, not all-on: Put trees, paths, and patio on separate controls. You’ll match the vibe to the moment and save energy. Route 66 pops without the power waste Love that neon nostalgia? You can get the look without the bill: LED “neon” rope gives a classic outline on pergolas, soffits, or signage with a fraction of the draw. Accent only: Pick one spot—the backyard bar, a fire pit wall, or a garage mural—to avoid visual clutter. Holiday game plan (Cherry Street style) Pre-season test day: Replace any cracked sockets and retire sketchy strings before you’re on a ladder. Warm white + greenery: It reads classy on Tulsa’s older brick and limestone, especially with a few spotlit evergreens. Store like a pro: Spools and clear bins mean no more mystery tangles next November. Want help designing the wiring behind the glow? Add/repair exterior circuits & GFCI: /electrical-repairs-and-installation/ New patio circuits, subpanels, and clean controls: /renovations-rewiring-panel-upgrades/