There’s something timeless and comforting about a Ralph Lauren Christmas. The deep colors, layered textures, and collected details create a feeling that’s warm, nostalgic, and a little bit magical.
If you’ve ever wished your home looked like the pages of an old Ralph Lauren holiday catalog, today I’m walking you through exactly how to get that look.
To make it even easier, I’m sharing examples from my daughter Hannah’s Christmas décor. For years she naturally gravitated toward this classic, moody style long before she ever knew it aligned with Ralph Lauren.
Her home is filled with dark wood furniture, vintage finds, rich textures, and traditional greenery, making it a wonderful example of this beautiful Christmas aesthetic. And the best part is that you can recreate this look even if your home has lighter walls or a more modern feel.
Let’s go step by step so you can bring this cozy, heritage-inspired style into your own Christmas decorating this year.
How to Get the Ralph Lauren Christmas Look
Start With Plaid — The Heart of Ralph Lauren Christmas Style
Plaid is one of the strongest signatures of the Ralph Lauren look. It adds warmth, structure, and a sense of old-world charm whether it shows up on a blanket, pillow, lampshade, or ribbon.
If you want to go all-in, Black Watch Tartan is the most classic choice with its deep green and navy tones.
Hannah used plaid in several places throughout her home. She wrapped her tree in plaid ribbon which is a classic Ralph Lauren trick. (more details about the tree later)
She added a plaid throw to the back of her sofa.
And matching plaid pillows which brings more plaid into the room on a bigger scale.
To literally tie it all in a bow she tied small plaid bows onto small trees, greenery and artwork.
In her kitchen, she even repeated the pattern with plaid towels from Hobby Lobby. When plaid is sprinkled through a room at different heights and in different sizes, the whole space immediately feels more Ralph Lauren.
Add Equestrian Heritage Details
Equestrian elements are another hallmark of Ralph Lauren’s style. They bring in the feeling of old leather boots, brass buckles, and rich country-house living. You don’t need a room full of saddles or riding gear to get the look; just a few thoughtful touches create the mood.
Hannah brought this in beautifully with a framed equestrian print, thrifted, in her dining area that she topped with greenery and a plaid bow.
She also tucked a wooden rocking horse near her coffee station, and it adds so much charm.
Her dark wood secretary and the brass accents she uses throughout her home naturally echo the heritage feel Ralph Lauren is known for.
Layer Rich Textures for a Cozy, Moody Look
The Ralph Lauren Christmas style is all about richness and warmth, which means textures play a big role. Think velvet pillows, tweed upholstery, wool blankets, needlepoint accents, and soft, traditional cottons. When these textures are layered together, the room takes on a cozy, lived-in feeling.
Hannah’s living room is full of these beautiful layers. Her sofa is dressed with burgundy velvet pillows mixed with plaid pillows for contrast.
She has a tweed-style pillow that adds another subtle texture, and her velvet burgundy tree skirt with a ruffled edge feels elegant but still inviting.
In her reading nook, a needlepoint pillow in classic holiday colors brings in another layer of old-world charm.
Use Traditional Greenery — and Don’t Be Afraid to Layer It
Lush greenery is essential for a Ralph Lauren Christmas. The style leans heavily on cedar, pine, berries, lights, and classic ribbon. This is not the place for sparse or minimal; the greenery should feel full and traditional with pieces layered together for depth.
Hannah used greenery in every corner of her home. Over her living room doors, she hung a garland on a timer so it lights up at dusk. Next to her tree, she added two small wreaths on the doors, which instantly makes the space feel dressed for Christmas.
She layered a garland on top of her china cabinet with ribbon and a pinecone gold garland, and she added greenery swags above artwork.
She also placed small trees in several rooms and hung a cranberry wreath on the way upstairs. All of these little moments work together to create that Ralph Lauren richness.
Mix Brass, Silver, and Warm Lantern Glow
Metallic accents bring life and warmth into a Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas room. Brass candlesticks, silver trays, lanterns, and warm candlelight help balance the deeper colors and create a cozy holiday ambiance.
Hannah uses brass and silver throughout her home. She has brass candlesticks on her end tables and vintage brass French horn ornaments on her tree. (look closely top right for one of the old vintage french hornes)
Her dining table centerpiece is a vintage silver serving container filled with antique books and a small tree.
The reflective surfaces and warm tones from the metals make the room feel elevated without being flashy.
Add Vintage Pieces to Capture the Ralph Lauren Spirit
Vintage items are a big part of achieving an authentic Ralph Lauren Christmas look. Old books, antique china, classic toys, needlepoint, and collected pieces give a room personality and a sense of history. Nothing should feel too new or too perfect.
Hannah has always decorated with vintage touches. She stacks old books on her coffee table, dining table and side tables. She uses vintage Lenox ornaments on her tree and Lenox christmas salt and pepper shakers in her kitchen.
She also added a vintage nightlight that warms the kitchen in the evenings, and her ceramic Christmas tree on the corner shelves brings back a wave of nostalgia. These pieces add character and softness to every room.
Also in her coffee station area is a small curio cabinet filled with thrifted Christmas mugs.
The best designs are in the details!
Choose a Moody, Traditional Christmas Color Palette
The Ralph Lauren holiday palette is rich and classic. Deep greens, burgundy, navy, cognac leather, warm cream, and gold accents all work together to create a cozy, traditional Christmas atmosphere.
Even if your home is bright and airy, using these colors in accents will still give you that Ralph Lauren feel.
Hannah’s color choices fit perfectly with the style. Her burgundy velvet tree skirt sets the tone, and she repeats burgundy bows on wreaths throughout the house.
The plaids she uses bring in navy, green, and burgundy tones. Brass and gold accents warm the space while her dark wood furniture anchors the whole palette.
Style a Statement Tree the Ralph Lauren Way
Ralph Lauren Christmas trees always feel full, warm, and thoughtfully styled. They feature traditional elements like plaid ribbon, brass accents, handmade ornaments, and plenty of warm lights. A velvet or layered fabric tree skirt finishes the look beautifully.
Hannah’s tree is a perfect example. It’s a classic green tree wrapped with plaid ribbon and lit with warm golden lights.
Her ornaments include Lenox pieces, brass French horns, and a collection of vintage and handmade ornaments gathered over the years.
The burgundy velvet skirt with its soft ruffled edge brings the whole look together and grounds the tree in true Ralph Lauren fashion.
Classic Ralph Lauren Branded Decor
Last but not least, if you want a tried and true Ralph Lauren look go straight to the brand. Decorate with details like his classic Ralph's Coffee mug or Ralph Lauren ornaments for sale during the holidays.
If you are a crafter and love vintage, search for old shirts and similar items, then make ornaments with the Ralph Lauren logo. It's just another fun way to get the look on a budget.
At Hannah's house, we added one of Ralph's coffee espresso cups, added a bottle brush tree, and decorated it on her coffee table.
How to Create the Ralph Lauren Christmas Look in Your Own Home
If you want to bring this classic style into your home, here are some simple steps you can follow:
- Begin by adding plaid through pillows, blankets, ribbon, and small accents.
- Layer traditional greenery generously and vary the types for depth.
- Incorporate a few equestrian-themed pieces or leather touches.
- Add brass or silver accents for warmth and shine.
- Use rich, moody colors like hunter green, burgundy, navy, and gold.
- Style your tree with heritage pieces and warm lights.
- Bring in vintage items like old books, artwork, or ornaments.
- Repeat textures and patterns so the whole home feels collected and cohesive.
You don’t have to change your whole house. Even a few of these ideas will instantly add a Ralph Lauren-inspired feel to your Christmas décor. Think old money when you are trying to achieve this look.
Final Thoughts
A Ralph Lauren Christmas is all about warmth, tradition, and layers of timeless charm. It’s a style that invites you in and makes you want to linger a little longer. Hannah’s home is a beautiful example of how collected pieces, rich textures, classic colors, and thoughtful styling can come together to create this look.
You can bring this same feeling into your home no matter your decorating style. Start small, add a few key elements, and let your home tell its own story through the pieces you choose. A little plaid, a touch of greenery, a vintage ornament here and there — and suddenly your home has that cozy, classic Ralph Lauren magic.
For more classic Christmas aesthetics try Little Woman Christmas and Victorian Christmas.
Happy Decorating!
