Few holiday styles capture luxury, warmth, and Americana nostalgia the way the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic does. Rooted in classic design, heritage colors, equestrian influences, and elevated rustic charm, the Ralph Lauren holiday look has become one of the most searched Christmas décor themes in the United States. Homeowners love it because it blends tradition with sophistication, making any home look editorial, cozy, and timeless.
This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to recreate this aesthetic in your own home using a methodical, step-by-step approach. Whether you live in a small apartment or a large family house, these ideas will help you design an elevated holiday look worthy of a luxury lifestyle magazine.
What Defines the Ralph Lauren Christmas Aesthetic?
Before you start decorating, it is essential to understand the core themes that define this style.
Key Characteristics
- Deep jewel tones mixed with classic holiday hues
- Traditional patterns such as tartan, plaid, houndstooth, and equestrian prints
- Natural, rugged textures like leather, wool, cashmere, and wood
- Polished metallics—brass, gold, pewter, and antique silver
- Heritage Americana style paired with English country influences
- Warm, layered lighting
- Elegant but understated opulence
This aesthetic never goes out of style because it blends old-world charm with premium comfort.
STEP 1: Choose the Right Color Palette
A true Ralph Lauren Christmas begins with a refined, heritage-inspired color story.
Primary Ralph Lauren Holiday Colors
- Deep forest green
- Crimson red
- Navy blue or midnight blue
- Burgundy or oxblood
- Classic tartan combinations
- Antique gold accents
These tones create both warmth and luxury, the essence of the Ralph Lauren brand.
Image References (Placeholders)
- Image 1: Deep forest green and crimson holiday palette inspiration
- Image 2: Traditional tartan patterns in red, navy, and green
- Image 3: Gold and brass holiday décor accents
STEP 2: Start With Statement Fabrics and Textures
Ralph Lauren interiors are known for their texture layering. The holidays amplify this even more.
Recommended Textures
- Tartan wool throws
- Velvet cushions
- Cashmere or merino wool blankets
- Aged leather accents
- Dark wood finishes
- Cable-knit textiles
- Fur or faux-fur trims
Where to Use These Textures
- Sofas
- Accent chairs
- Bedding
- Table linens
- Entryway benches
- Fireplace mantels
Image References (Placeholders)
- Image 1: Velvet and wool layered on a sofa
- Image 2: Leather chair with tartan blanket
- Image 3: Cable-knit pillows arranged for holiday décor
STEP 3: Design the Christmas Tree in the Ralph Lauren Style
The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of this aesthetic.
Tree Décor Rules
- Use deep, rich colors—red, green, navy, and gold.
- Add metallic ornaments in aged gold or brass tones.
- Use tartan ribbons, preferably wired.
- Choose classic ornaments: horses, vintage toys, nutcrackers, stars.
- Incorporate natural elements like pinecones and dried oranges.
Pro Tip
Use warm white string lights, never cool white. The warmth creates the signature Ralph Lauren glow.
Image References (Placeholders)
- Image 1: Tartan ribbon-wrapped Christmas tree
- Image 2: Gold ornaments with deep red baubles
- Image 3: Warm lighting on heritage-style tree décor
- Image 4: Pinecones and natural accents on tree branches
STEP 4: Create a Heritage-Inspired Mantel Display
The fireplace mantel is one of the most photographed Ralph Lauren holiday scenes.
How to Style the Mantel
- Start with a base of fresh or faux greenery garlands.
- Add brass candlesticks or hurricane lanterns.
- Incorporate plaid stockings.
- Place equestrian or vintage-style figurines for authenticity.
- Use layered greenery instead of minimalistic garlands.
Image References (Placeholders)
- Image 1: Heritage-style mantel with layered greenery
- Image 2: Brass candlesticks with warm light
- Image 3: Plaid stockings hanging elegantly
- Image 4: Vintage holiday figurines on the mantel
STEP 5: Style the Living Room for Classic Holiday Luxury
The living room is the heart of Ralph Lauren’s holiday essence.
How to Achieve It
- Add tartan throws over sofas or armchairs.
- Use a mix of velvet and wool pillows.
- Place a leather trunk or rustic wooden box as a coffee table centerpiece.
- Add candles in metallic and glass holders.
- Incorporate vintage books tied with ribbon for a nostalgic touch.
Image References (Placeholders)
- Image 1: Living room with tartan blankets
- Image 2: Velvet pillows arranged on a sofa
- Image 3: Leather trunk decorated for Christmas
STEP 6: Design a Ralph Lauren Christmas Dining Room
Holiday dining is central to the Ralph Lauren style.
Table Setting Elements
- Dark wood table
- Tartan or plaid table runner
- Crystal or cut-glass drinkware
- Brass or gold flatware
- Deep red or forest green napkins
- Centerpiece made of pine branches, berries, and candles
Centerpiece Ideas
- Use a combination of greenery, berries, pinecones, and antique brass candleholders.
- Add height with varying candle sizes.
- Keep the palette rich and cohesive.
Image References (Placeholders)
- Image 1: Tartan table runner with brass flatware
- Image 2: Crystal drinkware arranged for holiday dinner
- Image 3: Greenery and candle centerpiece
STEP 7: Style the Bedroom With Cozy Winter Luxury
Ralph Lauren bedrooms are elegant, warm, and layered.
Key Additions
- Tartan bedding or layers
- Wool blankets
- Dark wooden bedside accessories
- Gold accents
- Pine or cedar wreath over the bed
Image References (Placeholders)
- Image 1: Tartan bedding arrangement
- Image 2: Wool throws on a winter-style bed
- Image 3: Holiday wreath above the headboard
STEP 8: Accessorize With Equestrian and Vintage Touches
No Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic is complete without subtle equestrian details.
Ideas
- Horse figurines
- Leather straps or saddle elements
- Antique brass bells
- Vintage lanterns
- Old-fashioned typewriters
- Framed sepia photographs
These elements add heritage charm without overpowering the holiday theme.
Image References (Placeholders)
- Image 1: Equestrian figurine on shelf
- Image 2: Antique brass holiday accessories
- Image 3: Leather accents styled for Christmas
STEP 9: Use Lighting to Create Warmth
The warmth of the Ralph Lauren holiday look is heavily influenced by lighting.
Recommended Lighting
- Warm white LED string lights
- Brass floor lamps
- Soft-glow table lamps
- Candle clusters
- Lanterns with flicker-style LED candles
Avoid harsh white lighting and modern neon glows.
Image References (Placeholders)
- Image 1: Warm-glow holiday lighting
- Image 2: Brass lamp in a Christmas setting
- Image 3: Candle clusters arranged for ambient lighting
STEP 10: Add Final Seasonal Touches
These finishing touches bring the entire aesthetic together.
Suggestions
- Plaid or wool gift wrapping
- Saddle-style leather gift boxes
- Evergreen fresh wreaths
- Bowls of berries and pinecones
- Classic holiday books displayed on tables
- Fragrant candles: pine, cedarwood, vanilla, and clove
Image References (Placeholders)
- Image 1: Plaid-wrapped holiday gifts
- Image 2: Leather-accented décor pieces
- Image 3: Holiday bowls with greenery and pinecones
Final Thoughts
The Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic is timeless because it captures tradition, luxury, and comfort all at once. By following these steps and focusing on textures, color palettes, patterns, and heritage touches, you can transform your home into an elegant holiday retreat that looks curated and expensive without feeling overly formal.
This style works beautifully in modern homes, farmhouses, cabins, apartments, and traditional spaces alike. The key is layering, warmth, and authenticity. When you focus on quality, craftsmanship, and tradition, your home naturally reflects the classic luxury of Ralph Lauren.