So, fired up Skyrim today after never completiting it, got a new PC and so far I downloaded the HQ texture pack addon, but that's all I've got. I'm strictly looking for non-gameplay mods. IE, enviroment, textures, tress, lighting, etc improvements. I want my PC game experiance to sparkle, shiny like, but no clue where to start, what mods will do the best job with the least amount of fuss. Thoughts?

I can't recomend WATER and Skyrim Flora Overhaul enough. Along with texture packs, they are essential.

The only graphics mods I use are these:

http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=13049 by MyGoodEye and Gopher. This is a handy mod that adds in-game color, hue and contrast customization. It is done through a spell. You can see the effect of your change immediately, which allows you to fine-tune the settings on-the-fly. I use it to remove desaturation and to give Skyrim a slightly redder, warmer tint.
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=4929 by IcePenguin. This mod adds roads to the 3D map, which is essential for someone like me who has disabled my compass and fast travel.
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=95 by Valistar. This replaces the vanilla block capital letters font with many attractive options. I use the Magic Cards font.



It's not a graphics-changing mod, but I would seriously recommend also getting:
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=19 by Kivan. I use this because, well, there are bugs thatBethesda hasn't fixed yet.

Better Dynamic Snow - http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/10383
Project Reality: Climates of Tamriel - http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/17802http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/17802
Static Mesh Improvement Mod (SMIM) - http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/8655/

Also worth looking into are http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/5400 (personal favourite texture pack), http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/7654, and (if you don't like WATER), http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/1111.