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Few holiday looks are as instantly recognizable as the Ralph Lauren Christmas decor style. Think red tartan, rich leather, dark wood, brass candlesticks, roaring fires and towering trees wrapped in plaid ribbon. It feels like Christmas at a classic New England estate or a cozy mountain lodge.
The good news is that you don’t need a designer budget to recreate this timeless, preppy holiday aesthetic. With smart shopping, a consistent color palette and a few key textures, you can get the Ralph Lauren Christmas look for less.
Below are 20 ideas to help you create that rich, traditional, lodge-inspired Christmas at home, along with affordable products to help you get the look. (This article is about a style inspiration and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ralph Lauren.)
What Defines the Ralph Lauren Christmas Decor Style
The style is rooted in classic Americana and British country tradition. Key elements include red and green tartan, leather furniture, dark wood paneling, brass and gold accents, equestrian details and lush natural greenery.
It feels collected, cozy and a little bit luxurious, like a home that has celebrated Christmas the same way for generations.
The Color Palette
Deep red, forest green, navy, cream, camel and brown form the core palette. Gold and brass add warmth and shine.
Keep colors rich and saturated rather than bright, and layer textures like wool, cashmere, leather and velvet.
Shopping Tips for Getting the Look for Less
Shop thrift stores and estate sales for brass candlesticks, silver trays, equestrian art and leather pieces.
Invest in a few quality textiles, like a tartan throw and plaid ribbon, and use them throughout the house. Repetition makes the look feel cohesive and intentional.
20 Ways to Get the Ralph Lauren Christmas Look
These ideas are grouped into textiles and color, the tree and mantel, the dining room, and finishing touches.
Textiles, Color and Texture
1. Red Tartan Everything
Red tartan is the signature of the Ralph Lauren Christmas look. Pillows, throws, ribbon and table linens in tartan create instant holiday warmth.
Mix tartan with solid red and green for balance.
Use it on the sofa, the tree and the dining table.
Wool or wool-blend tartan feels most authentic.
Swap your everyday pillow covers for tartan in late November, and you’ll instantly transform the whole room without buying new furniture.
Tartan also pairs beautifully with navy and camel, giving you a slightly softer, more sophisticated variation of the look.
Pro tip: Repeat the same tartan pattern in at least three places for a cohesive look.
2. Leather and Dark Wood
Leather and dark wood create the rich, masculine backdrop of this style. A leather chesterfield or club chair instantly sets the tone.
Look for secondhand leather pieces for big savings.
Dark wood furniture and paneling add depth.
Leather ottomans and poufs are affordable alternatives.
If leather isn’t in the budget, a cognac faux leather ottoman or a few leather pillows add the same rich, warm texture.
Dark wood frames, trays and side tables help bring in the look in smaller, more affordable ways.
Pro tip: Condition leather before the holidays to keep it supple and rich.
The Tree and Mantel
3. A Tall Tree With Plaid Ribbon
A tall tree wrapped in wide plaid ribbon is the showstopper. Red and gold ornaments, pinecones and warm lights complete the look.
Choose a full, realistic tree.
Weave ribbon vertically in cascades from top to bottom.
Add a classic star or bow topper.
Tuck pinecones and faux red berries deep into the branches to add texture and fill gaps between ornaments.
A plaid tree skirt or a vintage wool blanket wrapped around the base finishes the tree beautifully.
Pro tip: Use wired ribbon at least 2.5 inches wide for a luxurious look.
4. Brass and Gold Accents
Brass and gold accents add warmth and polish. Brass candlesticks, lamps and gold-framed art feel timeless.
Thrift stores often have brass pieces for very little.
Group candlesticks in varying heights.
Pair brass with red candles and greenery.
Mix brass candlesticks with silver accents for a collected, heirloom feel.
Add a brass lamp with a pleated shade for a classic, warm glow on a side table.
Pro tip: Leave a light patina on brass for an authentic, collected feel.
5. Equestrian and Hunting Touches
Equestrian and hunting touches are a hallmark of this style. Riding boots, horse paintings and plaid blankets create a country estate feel.
Display a horse print in a gold frame.
Place riding boots by the door with greenery.
Add a plaid blanket to a bench.
A pair of vintage riding boots filled with greenery makes a charming, unexpected entryway accent.
Horse figurines, bridle hooks and leather straps add subtle equestrian details throughout the house.
Pro tip: Search for vintage equestrian prints at thrift stores and frame them in gold.
6. Fresh Garland With Red Berries
Fresh garland with red berries on the mantel looks lush and abundant. Pinecones and brass candlesticks add classic charm.
Layer faux garland with fresh cedar for fragrance.
Add berries for pops of red.
Include warm lights.
Add a gold-framed painting or mirror above the mantel to complete the classic estate look.
Tuck a few small wrapped gifts or vintage books into the garland for extra charm.
Pro tip: Use two garlands layered together for a fuller, designer look.
7. Plaid Stockings
Plaid stockings with faux fur cuffs are a must on the mantel. Red and green tartan feels classic and cozy.
Choose matching stockings for a polished look.
Add monograms for a personal touch.
Hang them from brass stocking holders.
Mix plaid stockings with a solid red velvet one for each child to add variety while staying cohesive.
Hang stockings from a stair rail or bookshelf if you don’t have a fireplace.
Pro tip: Monogram stockings with initials for a classic, preppy touch.
8. Cashmere and Cable-Knit Throws
Cashmere and cable-knit throws bring luxurious coziness. A cream cable-knit on a leather chair feels timeless.
Layer throws on sofas and beds.
Mix knit with tartan and faux fur.
Keep extras in a basket.
Choose throws with fringe for a classic, lived-in look.
A faux fur throw adds a touch of alpine luxury.
Pro tip: Choose cream, camel or red throws to stay within the palette.
9. A Lodge-Style Living Room
A lodge-style living room captures the mountain retreat side of this look. Stone, antlers, plaid and wool blankets feel warm and rustic.
Add a wool blanket over the sofa.
Use faux antlers for a rustic accent.
A roaring fire completes the scene.
Add a plaid wool blanket over the back of a chair and a basket of firewood by the fireplace.
Brass or iron lanterns on the hearth complete the lodge feel.
Pro tip: Use faux antler decor for an ethical, affordable lodge look.
10. Red Velvet Bows
Red velvet bows on wreaths and windows add elegance. They look striking against dark wood and evergreen.
Use wired velvet ribbon.
Hang wreaths in every window.
Long tails add drama.
Velvet bows also look lovely on chair backs, lamps and garlands.
Choose a deep, true red velvet rather than a bright red for a richer look.
Pro tip: Make your own bows with wired velvet ribbon to save money.
Dining and Entertaining
11. A Formal Tartan Table
A formal tartan table is festive and elegant. A tartan runner, white plates and brass chargers feel classic.
Add crystal glasses and candles.
Use greenery as a centerpiece.
Plaid napkins tie it together.
Add place cards in gold or cream for a polished formal touch.
A small sprig of greenery on each napkin adds natural elegance.
Pro tip: Mix brass chargers with white plates for a timeless table.
12. Classic Plaid Dinnerware
Classic plaid dinnerware brings the look to every meal. Red plaid plates with gold rims feel festive and traditional.
Mix with white dishes for balance.
Plaid dinnerware is often affordable.
It works for breakfast and dinner.
Mix plaid dinnerware with brass flatware for a warm, classic table setting.
Plaid mugs are perfect for Christmas morning coffee and cocoa.
Pro tip: Mix plaid salad plates with solid white dinner plates for a curated look.
13. Antique-Style Silver and Crystal
Antique-style silver and crystal add sophistication to entertaining. A silver tray with crystal decanters looks elegant on a sideboard.
Thrift silver pieces affordably.
Add greenery and candles.
It doubles as a drink station.
A silver ice bucket and crystal glasses make a stylish holiday bar.
Add a small bowl of fresh citrus for color and garnishes.
Pro tip: Polish silver a week before the holidays to save time.
Finishing Touches
14. Fresh Wreaths on Windows and Doors
Fresh wreaths on every window and door create a grand, classic exterior. Red bows add a festive touch.
Hang wreaths at the same height.
Use suction hooks on windows.
They look magical with snow.
Add wreaths to garage doors, gates and lampposts for a grand exterior.
Lit wreaths look magical in the evening.
Pro tip: Buy wreaths in bulk from a local tree farm for savings.
15. Lanterns and Candlelight
Brass lanterns and candlelight create a cozy glow. Place them on the hearth, porch or dining table.
Use flameless candles for safety.
Group lanterns in different sizes.
Add greenery around the base.
Brass lanterns also make beautiful centerpieces on dining tables with greenery around the base.
Lanterns on the porch steps welcome guests with a warm glow.
Pro tip: Use flameless candles with timers for a worry-free glow.
16. A Ski Chalet Feel
A ski chalet feel brings the alpine side of this look. Vintage wooden skis, wool blankets and fur throws feel cozy and adventurous.
Lean skis in a corner with greenery.
Add a faux fur throw on a chair.
A small decorated tree completes the scene.
Hang a pair of vintage snowshoes on the wall for an extra alpine touch.
A plaid blanket draped over a bench completes the ski lodge corner.
Pro tip: Find vintage skis at thrift stores or online marketplaces.
17. Nostalgic Wooden Toys
Nostalgic wooden toys on the tree add charm. Toy soldiers, drums and rocking horses feel classic and storybook.
Pair them with red ribbon.
Mix with glass ornaments.
They suit families with kids.
Look for ornaments with a vintage, hand-painted finish for an heirloom feel.
Toy soldiers also look charming lined up on a mantel or bookshelf.
Pro tip: Choose wooden ornaments in red, green and gold for cohesion.
18. Plaid Tree Skirt and Wrapping
Plaid wrapping paper and a plaid tree skirt complete the look under the tree. Kraft paper with velvet ribbon also fits beautifully.
Mix tartan and kraft paper.
Add sprigs of greenery to gifts.
Use velvet ribbon for luxury.
Add a sprig of evergreen and a small pinecone to each gift for a natural finish.
Monogrammed gift tags add a preppy, personal touch.
Pro tip: Wrap gifts in the same two or three papers for a cohesive look.
19. A Cozy Library Corner
A cozy library corner feels like a classic estate. Dark shelves, a leather chair, tartan throw and brass lamp create warmth.
Add a small decorated tree.
Stack classic books.
Include a side table for cocoa or a nightcap.
Add a decanter and glasses on a tray for a classic, cozy evening setup.
Leather-bound books and a globe complete the traditional library look.
Pro tip: Use warm 2700K bulbs in lamps for a golden glow.
20. Garden-Fresh Evergreens in Silver
Garden-fresh evergreens in a silver urn are simple and elegant. Magnolia and evergreen branches look stunning.
Add red candles nearby.
Place on a dining table or sideboard.
Refresh greenery weekly.
Add a few red roses or amaryllis to the urn for a pop of color.
Silver urns can often be found at thrift stores and estate sales at great prices.
Pro tip: Use floral foam in the urn to hold branches in place.
Tips for Getting the Look on a Budget
Shop secondhand for brass, silver, leather and frames.
Choose one tartan and repeat it throughout the home.
Mix fresh greenery with faux to save money.
Focus on a few statement pieces rather than buying everything at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ralph Lauren Christmas decor style?
It’s a classic, preppy, lodge-inspired holiday look featuring red tartan, leather, dark wood, brass, equestrian touches and lush greenery.
What colors are used in Ralph Lauren style Christmas decor?
Deep red, forest green, navy, cream, camel and brown, with brass and gold accents.
How can I get the look for less?
Shop thrift stores for brass and silver, buy affordable tartan textiles and repeat a consistent palette.
Do I need leather furniture for this look?
No. Leather ottomans, poufs or pillows can add the same warmth affordably.
Final Thoughts
The Ralph Lauren Christmas decor look is timeless, cozy and elegant, and with the right pieces you can recreate it without a designer budget.
Choose a tartan, add leather and brass, layer lush greenery and enjoy a classic, lodge-inspired Christmas at home.
