There are Christmas decorations, and then there is Ralph Lauren at Christmas.
Deep red tartan. Dark wood. Velvet ribbon. Brass candlesticks. Leather chairs. Beautifully decorated trees glowing in the background. Old paintings, stacks of books and enough warm lamplight to make you want to cancel all your plans and stay home until January.
It’s less “I decorated the house for Christmas” and more “my family has been spending Christmas at this country house since 1897.”
Unfortunately, neither the country house nor the Ralph Lauren Christmas budget appears to have made its way into my inheritance.
The good news is that you really don’t need either.
Because when you look closely at beautiful Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas interiors, the magic isn’t coming from one particular ornament or an expensive throw pillow.
It’s how everything is layered together.
Rich colors. Traditional patterns. Natural materials. Things that look as though they have a little history. Warm lighting. Greenery. Books. Brass. Leather. Velvet. And Christmas decorations that feel collected rather than bought as one perfectly coordinated set.
And that means you can recreate a surprising amount of the look with things you already own, inexpensive Christmas decorations, thrift-store finds and a few carefully chosen additions.
Here’s how I’d do it.
What Actually Makes Christmas Decor Look Ralph Lauren?
Before buying anything, it helps to understand what we’re actually trying to recreate.
Ralph Lauren Christmas isn’t really a Christmas decorating style.
It’s more like a beautifully layered home that happens to be decorated for Christmas.
That distinction is important.
Think of a room with dark wood furniture, a worn leather chair, tartan, old books, traditional artwork, brass candlesticks and warm lamps.
Now add a Christmas tree, fresh-looking greenery, red velvet ribbon, candles and beautifully wrapped presents.
Suddenly, it feels incredibly Christmassy, but the character of the room was already there.
That's why buying a cart full of “Ralph Lauren Christmas decor” isn't necessarily going to give you the look.
Instead, concentrate on these ingredients:
• rich, traditional colors
• tartan, plaid and classic patterns
• dark or warm-toned wood
• leather
• wool and velvet
• brass, silver and other aged metals
• baskets and natural textures
• traditional greenery
• vintage or vintage-looking pieces
• warm, layered lighting
• personal and sentimental objects
You certainly don't need all of them.
In fact, you probably already own more of them than you think.
1. Shop Your House Before You Shop for Christmas Decor
This is the first thing I would do.
Walk around your house and temporarily forget that you're looking for Christmas decorations.
Instead, look for anything that feels traditional, warm, slightly old-fashioned or beautifully worn.
A wooden tray. A stack of hardback books. A brass candlestick. A tartan scarf. A leather box. An old picture frame. A wicker basket. A wool blanket. A blue-and-white bowl. A silver dish.
Bring some of those things into the rooms you're decorating.
That old wooden stool in the bedroom might look gorgeous beside the Christmas tree with a basket on top.
The brass candlesticks you never use could suddenly look wonderful surrounded by greenery on the mantel.
An old tartan scarf can be folded across the back of a chair.
A stack of books can raise a little Christmas tree or candleholder and instantly make a display feel more layered.
This is one of the easiest ways to make Christmas decor feel collected rather than purchased.
2. Choose a Rich Christmas Color Palette
You don't have to use every traditional Ralph Lauren color at once.
I'd start with two or three.
Some beautiful combinations are:
• Burgundy + forest green + antique gold
• Deep red + navy + dark green
• Red + camel + cream
• Navy + forest green + brass
• Burgundy + chocolate brown + gold
If your home is already fairly neutral, you don't have to change everything.
A cream sofa, pale walls or light rug can actually provide a lovely backdrop for deeper Christmas colors.
Bring the richness in through smaller things: ribbon, throws, pillows, ornaments, wrapping paper and greenery.
And don't worry about matching your reds perfectly.
Burgundy, cranberry, oxblood and traditional Christmas red can live happily in the same room. Those slight differences often make everything feel richer.
3. Add Tartan—But Don't Turn Everything Into Tartan
Tartan is probably one of the quickest ways to create this look.
The trick is restraint.
If the tree ribbon, pillows, curtains, tablecloth, stockings, throw and wrapping paper are all different plaids, your living room may start to feel less Ralph Lauren and more Christmas at the plaid factory.
Choose a couple of places where tartan can make an impact.
Try:
• a tartan throw over a chair
• one or two plaid pillows
• tartan ribbon on the tree
• plaid stockings
• tartan gift wrap
• a folded blanket in a basket
• tartan napkins on the Christmas table
And remember that a tartan scarf can do exactly the same job as an expensive Christmas throw when it's casually draped over a chair or tucked into a basket.
4. Use Velvet Ribbon to Make Inexpensive Decor Look Better
If I were buying one relatively inexpensive thing specifically for this look, I'd buy beautiful ribbon.
Deep red, burgundy, forest green or navy velvet ribbon can transform very ordinary Christmas decorations.
Tie it around a wreath.
Add bows to plain greenery.
Use it on the Christmas tree.
Tie small pieces onto ornaments.
Wrap it around candles or napkins.
Use it on presents.
Even inexpensive faux greenery can look considerably more luxurious once you add a few beautifully tied velvet bows.
And because ribbon doesn't take up much storage space, you can keep it and use it again next Christmas.
5. Don't Be Afraid of Navy at Christmas
Red and green are obvious.
Navy is one of the colors that can make the whole scheme feel a little more Ralph Lauren.
If you already have navy pillows, blankets, curtains or furniture, leave them.
Don't feel that everything has to be replaced with red for December.
Navy works beautifully with burgundy, dark green, tartan, brown leather and brass.
It's also a useful trick if you're trying to make existing blue decor work with Christmas rather than packing half your house away for six weeks.
6. Bring in Dark Wood—Without Buying New Furniture
Dark wood instantly gives this look some depth.
But please don't interpret that as an instruction to replace your furniture before Christmas.
Look around the house first.
You might already have an old side table, wooden chair, tray, stool, chest, picture frame or box that could move into the room you're decorating.
Even something as simple as putting your Christmas vignette on a wooden tray rather than directly onto a white countertop can completely change its mood.
You can also introduce warm wood through bowls, candlesticks, picture frames and little decorative objects.
It's the contrast between the wood, greenery, red and brass that we're after—not a furniture shopping spree.
7. Add Leather Where You Can
Leather works wonderfully with tartan and traditional Christmas colors.
If you already have a leather sofa or chair, congratulations: you're halfway to the imaginary country house.
If you don't, that's completely fine.
Think smaller.
Old leather-bound books, a leather tray, a box, luggage, a vintage belt used around a stack of books, or little leather accessories can introduce the same warmth.
You don't need much.
8. Mix Patterns Instead of Matching Everything
One of the things that makes Ralph Lauren interiors interesting is that patterns aren't afraid of one another.
Plaid can sit beside stripes.
Florals can sit beside tartan.
Checks can work with paisley.
But there's a useful trick here: repeat colors even when you change the pattern.
A burgundy-and-green tartan throw can work beside a striped pillow if that pillow contains the same deep red.
A floral cushion with navy in it can sit comfortably beside a navy plaid.
That's how you get a layered look without everything fighting for attention.
9. Make Your Christmas Tree Look Collected, Not Coordinated
You do not need to replace your Christmas ornaments.
In fact, I wouldn't.
A tree where every ornament came from the same collection can look beautiful, but for this particular style, a tree that appears to have evolved over many Christmases can be even better.
Use your glass baubles.
Add your old ornaments.
Keep the ones the children made.
Hang the slightly battered decoration you've had for 15 years.
Mix in bells, tartan ribbon, bows and traditional shapes.
Then use your color palette to pull everything together.
For example, if your existing decorations are all over the place, adding burgundy velvet bows repeatedly throughout the tree can create enough consistency to make the whole thing feel intentional.
You haven't replaced the memories.
You've just given them a beautiful background.
10. Try Tartan Ribbon on the Christmas Tree
If you want a more dramatic tree, add tartan ribbon.
You don't necessarily need yards and yards of expensive wired ribbon.
Cut shorter lengths and tuck them into the branches so they look as though they weave through the tree.
Mixing tartan with plain velvet ribbon can look especially lovely.
For example:
tartan + burgundy velvet
or
tartan + dark green velvet
You get the pattern without overwhelming the tree.
11. Make Cheap Greenery Look More Expensive
A beautiful garland makes a huge difference, but realistic faux greenery can get expensive very quickly.
Instead of replacing what you have, layer it.
Take a basic artificial garland and add:
• real evergreen clippings
• eucalyptus
• pinecones
• berry stems
• magnolia leaves
• ribbon
• bells
• warm-white lights
If you have access to safe evergreen clippings from your garden, tuck them into artificial garland shortly before Christmas.
The combination of faux and real greenery can make the whole thing look much fuller.
Just be sensible around candles and heat sources, and remember that fresh greenery dries out.
12. Thrift the Brass Section
This might be my favorite tip.
Go to the thrift store and ignore the Christmas aisle for a minute.
Look for brass.
Mismatched candlesticks are perfect.
Also look for small trays, bowls, picture frames, little boxes and decorative objects.
They don't have to match.
Actually, it's better if they don't.
Three brass candlesticks of slightly different heights can look far more interesting than a perfectly matching new set.
Add dark green foliage and red ribbon and suddenly they look as though they've always belonged there.
13. Look for Silver Too
Don't feel that everything has to be gold or brass.
Silver can look incredibly beautiful in a traditional Christmas setting, particularly if you already own silver-colored serving pieces or vintage-style decor.
Old silver trays, bowls, candlesticks and little dishes add that slightly inherited quality we're trying to create.
And don't worry if they're tarnished.
A little patina can be part of the charm.
14. Use Old Books as Decor
Books are one of the easiest ways to make a Christmas display feel layered.
Look for hardbacks in dark red, green, navy, brown and cream.
Stack two or three underneath a lamp, small tree, bowl or decorative object.
If your books are brightly colored, simply turn them around so the page edges face outward—or borrow a few from another room that suit the look better.
This costs absolutely nothing and stops Christmas decorations from looking like they've simply been lined up along a shelf.
15. Use Traditional Artwork as Part of the Christmas Look
You don't need Christmas artwork everywhere.
Landscapes, old portraits, equestrian prints, botanical pictures and traditional still lifes can all contribute to the mood.
If you have something like this elsewhere in the house, try moving it temporarily.
Lean a small framed picture against the wall on a mantel or shelf, then place greenery and candlesticks around it.
The art doesn't say “Christmas.”
The things surrounding it do.
That's what makes the display feel like a home at Christmas rather than a Christmas display in a store.
16. Add Equestrian Details Carefully
Yes, horses are part of the Ralph Lauren world.
No, your living room does not need to become a stable.
One or two subtle equestrian references are plenty.
You might find an old horse print, a small brass horse, a leather detail or something with a bit-like shape at a thrift store or antique shop.
But don't feel you need this at all.
The Ralph Lauren feeling comes much more from color, texture, pattern and layering than from putting horses everywhere.
17. Bring Out the Wool and Cable Knit
Before buying Christmas pillows, look at the textiles you already own.
Cable-knit blankets, wool throws and knitted cushions all work beautifully.
Cream is especially useful because it breaks up all those deep reds, greens, browns and navies.
A chunky cream blanket tossed over a dark chair can make the entire room feel softer.
And unlike a pillow with a giant reindeer on it, you can keep using it in January.
18. Make the Mantel Feel Collected
For a Ralph Lauren-inspired mantel, I'd resist filling every inch with Christmas objects.
Start with greenery.
Then add different heights.
Perhaps brass candlesticks on one side and a stack of books with a small decorative object on the other.
Add velvet ribbon.
Keep your existing mirror or artwork above it.
Then add stockings.
If everything looks too symmetrical, move something.
The goal isn't perfect balance.
It's that lovely feeling that things have accumulated naturally.
19. Decorate With Things That Aren't Christmas Decorations
This might be the most useful idea in the whole post.
Not everything in a Christmas room needs to be Christmas decor.
Use:
• Books.
• Bowls.
• Baskets.
• Candlesticks.
• Picture frames.
• Wooden boxes.
• Glassware.
• Trays.
• Blankets.
• Lamps.
• Family photographs.
Then weave Christmas around them.
A wooden bowl becomes Christmas decor when it's filled with pinecones and ornaments.
A stack of books becomes Christmas decor when you put a little brass bell and greenery on top.
A normal lamp becomes part of the Christmas atmosphere when you place it beside a glowing tree.
This is how you get layers without spending a fortune.
20. Turn Your Presents Into Christmas Decor
Presents take up a lot of visual space under the tree, so make them part of the scheme.
You don't need expensive wrapping paper.
Brown kraft paper looks beautiful with:
• tartan ribbon
• velvet ribbon
• striped ribbon
• twine
• evergreen sprigs
• dried orange slices
• handwritten tags
You could also choose one tartan paper and mix it with plain red, green or kraft paper.
Don't make every gift identical.
Keeping the same small palette will make mismatched wrapping feel intentional.
21. Create a Ralph Lauren-Inspired Christmas Table
You don't need a new Christmas dinnerware set.
Start with what you have.
White plates are perfect.
Add plaid or deep-colored napkins.
Use your normal glasses.
Bring out any nicer glassware that's hiding in a cupboard waiting for an occasion.
Well, Christmas is the occasion.
Run greenery down the middle of the table.
Add brass or silver candlesticks.
Put a few bowls of nuts, oranges or seasonal fruit around the table.
If you have traditional china that belonged to somebody in your family, use it.
It doesn't matter if it isn't “Christmas china.”
That's exactly the point.
22. Don't Save the Nice Things for Some Imaginary Future Occasion
This is slightly less about decorating and slightly more about how you want Christmas to feel.
Use the glasses.
Light the candles.
Get the nice serving bowl out.
Use the tablecloth.
Put the old silver tray on the coffee table.
Sometimes the thing that makes a room feel special isn't another Christmas decoration.
It's simply using the lovely things you already own.
23. Make the Lighting Warm
You can have every tartan blanket and brass candlestick in the world, but cold overhead lighting can flatten the whole effect.
Use lamps.
Use warm-white Christmas lights.
Light candles safely.
If you have battery-operated candles, tuck them into places where a real flame wouldn't be sensible.
The goal is to create pools of warm light around the room rather than having everything equally bright.
Turn off the big light and see what happens.
Honestly, that might be the cheapest decorating tip in this entire article.
24. Thrift Outside the Christmas Aisle
If you're trying to do this affordably, thrift stores can be brilliant—but don't make a beeline for the seasonal section and stop there.
Look through:
• Books: dark hardbacks and old illustrated books.
• Frames: brass, dark wood and traditional shapes.
• Kitchenware: silver trays, bowls, glassware and old china.
• Textiles: tartan scarves, wool blankets and embroidered linens.
• Decor: candlesticks, boxes, baskets and little brass objects.
You're looking for things that give your home history and texture, not necessarily things with Christmas trees printed on them.
25. Don't Try to Decorate Every Corner
This is especially important when you're decorating on a budget.
Choose a few places to make beautiful.
The Christmas tree.
The mantel.
The coffee table.
Perhaps the dining table or entryway.
A really lovely vignette will make a much bigger impression than spreading 40 small decorations thinly across the entire house.
Think in moments.
A chair beside the tree with a tartan throw.
A little table with books, a lamp and greenery.
A mantel glowing with candles.
A bowl of ornaments on the entry table.
Your eye remembers those moments.
26. If You Have $25 to Spend
I'd buy one thing that repeats throughout the room.
Probably ribbon.
Choose beautiful burgundy, red or dark green velvet ribbon and use it on your tree, wreath, garland and gifts.
Suddenly, decorations you've owned for years feel connected.
Alternatively, spend the money at a thrift store on a few brass candlesticks, books or traditional accessories.
27. If You Have $50 to Spend
I'd split it.
Spend some on ribbon or greenery and save the rest for one good textile.
A tartan throw can transform a chair or sofa and be used year after year.
But check TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Walmart, Target and thrift stores before assuming you need an expensive one.
A blanket doesn't know where you bought it.
28. If You Have $100 to Spend
Don't spend it on ten random little decorations.
Choose one thing that makes a noticeable difference.
Perhaps a fuller garland.
A beautiful large wreath.
A traditional throw.
A set of quality ribbon you can reuse.
Or a few vintage pieces you'll genuinely keep.
Then use what you already own around it.
One strong purchase surrounded by inexpensive and existing pieces usually looks better than $100 worth of little impulse buys.
29. Where to Look for Ralph Lauren-Inspired Christmas Decor for Less
For new pieces, I'd look at places such as HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Target and Walmart, particularly for tartan, ribbon, throws, pillows, candles and traditional Christmas accessories.
But I'd also look at:
• thrift stores
• antique stores
• estate sales
• Facebook Marketplace
• your parents' or grandparents' cupboards—ask first of course!
• and, most importantly, your own attic.
Don't search only for “Ralph Lauren Christmas.”
Search for the ingredients instead.
Tartan throw. Burgundy velvet ribbon. Brass candlesticks. Traditional Christmas ornaments. Equestrian print. Dark green pillow. Plaid stockings. Vintage silver tray.
You'll usually find far more options that way.
30. The Ralph Lauren Christmas Formula
If all of this feels like a lot, here's the easy version.
For almost any room, combine:
one traditional pattern + one rich color + one natural material + one warm metal + something old + greenery + warm light + something personal.
For example:
tartan + burgundy + dark wood + brass + old books + pine greenery + candlelight + your family's Christmas ornaments.
That's it.
You don't need a Ralph Lauren sofa.
You don't need a gigantic stone fireplace.
You definitely don't need a country estate.
And you don't need to replace the Christmas decorations you've collected over the years.
In fact, please don't.
The Real Secret to the Ralph Lauren Christmas Look
The thing I love most about this style is that it doesn't have to look new.
Actually, it's better when it doesn't.
The slightly battered ornament you've hung on the tree every year since the children were little belongs here.
So does your grandmother's dish.
The old books.
The wooden furniture with a few marks on it.
The Christmas stockings that don't perfectly match.
The decorations you've accumulated instead of bought all at once.
Those are the things that make a home feel layered.
So rather than trying to create a perfect Ralph Lauren Christmas, borrow the ideas Ralph Lauren does so beautifully.
Use richer colors.
Mix your patterns.
Bring out the wood, leather, wool and brass.
Add greenery.
Tie velvet ribbon around things.
Turn down the overhead lights and switch on the lamps.
Use the good glasses.
Light the candles.
Put the tartan blanket over the chair.
Then hang the ornaments that actually mean something to you.
Because the best part of this look isn't really the plaid or the brass or even the imaginary country house.
It's the feeling that Christmas has been celebrated in this home for years.
And that part doesn't cost anything.
Get the Look: A Ralph Lauren-Inspired Christmas Tree
If you want your Christmas tree to have that rich, traditional Ralph Lauren feeling without starting again from scratch, use this as your simple formula:
Start with: Your existing Christmas tree and favorite ornaments.
Add: Deep red, burgundy, forest green or navy ornaments wherever you have gaps.
Layer in: Tartan ribbon tucked into the branches rather than wrapped tightly around the tree.
Make it feel luxurious: Add burgundy or dark green velvet bows throughout the tree.
Give it some age: Mix in bells, traditional glass ornaments, wooden decorations and anything vintage or vintage-looking.
Keep it personal: Hang the sentimental decorations too—even the wonky homemade ones.
Finish with: Warm-white lights and beautifully wrapped presents in tartan, kraft paper, deep red and green underneath.
The trick: Don't make every ornament match. Repeat a few colors and materials throughout the tree and let everything else feel collected.
A Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas tree should look as though you've been adding beautiful things to it for years—not as though the entire tree arrived in one enormous matching box last Tuesday.
Get the Look: A Ralph Lauren-Inspired Christmas Mantel
You don't need an enormous stone fireplace in a country house to create the feeling.
Start with whatever mantel, shelf or console table you have and layer these elements:
Greenery: A full pine or cedar-style garland. Bulk out an inexpensive faux garland with real clippings, pinecones or additional greenery if needed.
Ribbon: Burgundy, deep red, forest green or tartan.
Something old: A traditional painting, old mirror, vintage frame or a few hardback books.
Something metallic: Mismatched brass or silver candlesticks work beautifully.
Something personal: Your own Christmas stockings, family photographs or a decoration that means something to you.
Warm light: Candles, battery-operated candles or tiny warm-white lights tucked into the greenery.
And then stop.
Seriously.
The temptation with a Christmas mantel is to keep adding things until you can't see the mantel anymore.
Ralph Lauren-inspired decorating feels abundant, but it doesn't need to feel cluttered. A few substantial, layered elements will usually look more expensive than dozens of tiny decorations.
Get the Look: A Ralph Lauren-Inspired Christmas Living Room
If you only want to transform one room, make it the room where you spend most of Christmas.
You don't need to redecorate it. Just add layers.
On the sofa: One tartan or plaid throw, plus pillows you already own in cream, navy, dark green, burgundy or brown.
On the coffee table: A stack of books, a wooden or silver tray, greenery and a candle or two.
Beside the sofa: A warm lamp rather than relying entirely on overhead lighting.
Around the room: Baskets, wood, leather, brass, silver and anything that has a little age or character.
At the windows or doorway: A simple wreath or greenery with velvet ribbon.
Under the tree: Presents wrapped in a mixture of kraft paper, tartan and rich solid colors.
For Christmas: Add your own ornaments, stockings, family photographs and sentimental pieces rather than hiding them because they don't perfectly fit the “aesthetic.”
Then turn off the overhead light, switch on the lamps and Christmas tree, and see how the room feels.
That's often the moment everything comes together.
The aim isn't for someone to walk in and say, “Oh, you've done a Ralph Lauren theme.”
It's for them to walk in and think, “This feels so cozy.”
Ralph Lauren Christmas Decor FAQs
What is Ralph Lauren Christmas decor?
Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas decor combines classic Christmas traditions with the rich, layered look associated with Ralph Lauren interiors.
Think tartan and plaid, deep red, burgundy, forest green and navy alongside dark wood, leather, wool, velvet, brass, silver, traditional greenery and warm lighting.
Rather than looking highly coordinated or themed, the best Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas rooms tend to feel collected over time.
It's less about one particular Christmas decoration and more about the combination of color, pattern, texture, history and atmosphere.
What colors are used in Ralph Lauren Christmas decor?
The classic palette tends to be rich and traditional.
Deep red, burgundy, oxblood, forest green and navy are particularly useful, along with cream, camel, chocolate brown and touches of antique gold or silver.
You don't need to use all of these colors.
For an easy starting point, choose two deeper colors—such as burgundy and forest green—and combine them with the neutral colors already in your home.
If you want more contrast, add navy.
If you want more warmth, bring in camel, brown, brass and natural wood.
How can I get the Ralph Lauren Christmas look on a small budget?
Start with what you already own rather than buying Christmas-specific versions of everything.
Look around your home for tartan or plaid textiles, hardback books, wooden trays, baskets, brass candlesticks, traditional picture frames, glassware, leather accessories and wool blankets.
Then spend your decorating budget on one or two inexpensive things that can create repetition throughout the room.
Velvet ribbon is particularly useful because the same ribbon can appear on your tree, wreath, garland and presents.
Thrift stores are also excellent for brass candlesticks, silver trays, old books, frames, baskets and traditional accessories.
The goal is to layer inexpensive, existing and secondhand pieces together rather than trying to buy an entire new Christmas look.
Where can I buy affordable Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas decor?
Instead of searching only for “Ralph Lauren Christmas decor,” search for individual elements of the look.
Try terms such as tartan Christmas ribbon, burgundy velvet ribbon, plaid Christmas stockings, traditional Christmas ornaments, brass candlesticks, dark green pillows, tartan throws and vintage-style Christmas decor.
Stores such as HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Target and Walmart can be good places to look for affordable seasonal pieces in the US.
Thrift stores, antique stores, estate sales and Facebook Marketplace can be even better for pieces that add character, particularly brass, silver, artwork, books, baskets and traditional accessories.
And always shop your own home first.
Does Ralph Lauren Christmas decor have to be red and green?
Not at all.
Red and green are probably the most recognizable combination, but navy, burgundy, brown, cream, camel, gold and silver can all work beautifully.
You could even create a Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas room primarily using navy, forest green and brass, with just a few touches of red.
The important thing is that the colors feel deep, warm and traditional rather than relying on one exact palette.
What kind of plaid works best for Ralph Lauren Christmas decor?
Traditional-looking tartans and heritage plaids tend to work particularly well, especially combinations containing deep red, forest green, navy, black or cream.
You don't need the exact same plaid throughout the room.
In fact, mixing a couple of patterns can make the space feel more collected.
The easiest way to stop mixed plaids from looking chaotic is to make sure they share at least one or two colors.
Can you get the Ralph Lauren Christmas look in a modern or neutral home?
Absolutely.
You don't need dark walls, wood paneling or an enormous library.
In a light or modern room, use the neutral background to your advantage and introduce the Ralph Lauren feeling through smaller layers.
Try a tartan throw, burgundy velvet ribbon, dark green pillows, a wooden tray, brass candlesticks and traditional greenery.
Even one small corner containing a chair, plaid throw, lamp, stack of books and Christmas tree can create the mood without changing the entire room.
How do you decorate a Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas tree?
Start with your existing ornaments rather than replacing everything.
Add a limited number of repeating elements—perhaps tartan ribbon, burgundy velvet bows, brass bells or deep red ornaments—to tie the tree together.
Then mix in traditional glass ornaments, wooden pieces, sentimental decorations and anything vintage or vintage-looking.
Use warm-white lights and avoid worrying about perfect symmetry.
The tree should feel collected rather than manufactured.
How do I keep Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas decor from looking too dark?
Use contrast.
Cream textiles, warm-white lights, candles, glass, silver, lighter natural greenery and touches of white can break up burgundy, navy, dark green and brown.
You also don't need every surface to be dark.
A pale sofa or light walls can look beautiful against rich tartan, greenery and warm wood.
Think of the darker colors as accents that create depth rather than something you need to cover the whole room with.
How do I mix plaid Christmas decor without making the room look too busy?
Start with one main plaid.
Use that in a noticeable place, such as a throw, tree ribbon or stockings.
If you introduce a second plaid, choose one that shares colors with the first.
Then give your patterns somewhere to rest by using solid colors around them.
For example, a tartan throw and plaid ribbon will feel much calmer when they're surrounded by plain burgundy, cream, forest green or navy.
And remember: not everything needs a pattern.
Do I need equestrian decor to get the Ralph Lauren look?
No.
Equestrian influences are associated with Ralph Lauren's wider aesthetic, but you don't need horse statues, riding boots and polo equipment scattered around your Christmas tree.
If you happen to love that look, one old horse print or subtle equestrian accessory can be beautiful.
Otherwise, concentrate on the things that have a much bigger impact: tartan, traditional colors, natural materials, vintage pieces and warm lighting.
What's the easiest way to make Christmas decor look more expensive?
Use fewer tiny decorations and concentrate on scale, texture and repetition.
Make garlands fuller.
Use wider or richer-looking ribbon.
Repeat one or two colors throughout the room.
Mix inexpensive Christmas decor with real wood, glass, brass, silver, books and textiles.
And pay attention to lighting.
An inexpensive wreath with a beautiful velvet bow can look far more luxurious than a wreath covered in 25 little decorations.
Sometimes taking things away is just as effective as adding them.
Can I mix Ralph Lauren-inspired decor with the Christmas decorations I already own?
Yes! Please do.
You don't need to sacrifice your family Christmas for an interior design aesthetic.
Keep the decorations your children made.
Hang the ornaments you bought on vacations.
Use the stocking you've had forever.
Bring out the decoration that makes absolutely no sense with your carefully selected color palette but makes you smile every year.
Use repeated ribbon, greenery and a consistent color palette to provide the background, and let the sentimental pieces live within it.
A home that has clearly celebrated many Christmases will actually suit this style better than one where every decoration was bought yesterday.
What is the biggest mistake to avoid with Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas decor?
Trying too hard to make everything look “Ralph Lauren.”
You don't need plaid on every surface, horses in every corner or an entirely new set of decorations.
What makes the look so appealing is the impression of a home that has developed over time.
Start with your own home.
Add richness, warmth and a few traditional elements.
And leave enough of you in the room that it still feels like your family's Christmas.
That's ultimately what makes the look convincing.
