I’m obsessed with the Ralph Lauren holiday aesthetic. You know the one – cozy, elegant, equestrian vibes mixed with traditional Christmas. Tartan everything, rich textures, that old-money mountain lodge feeling.
The thing is, you don’t actually need to spend thousands on Ralph Lauren Home to get this look. I’ve figured out how to recreate it using smart shopping and styling, and my living room looks like it belongs in a holiday catalog.
Let me show you how.
The Ralph Lauren Christmas Aesthetic
Think: Classic American luxury meets cozy cabin.
Key elements:
- Tartan plaid (especially red, green, navy)
- Rich textures (velvet, wool, fur)
- Traditional Christmas colors (deep reds, forest greens, gold)
- Equestrian touches (plaid horse blankets, leather)
- Layered and abundant
- Warm lighting
- Natural greenery
- Vintage-inspired ornaments
It’s sophisticated but lived-in, elegant but comfortable.
The Color Palette
Primary colors: Deep red, forest green, navy blue, cream
Metallics: Antique gold, brass, bronze (not shiny new gold)
Accents: Burgundy, hunter green, tartan patterns
Avoid: Bright colors, pastels, anything too modern or minimalist
The palette should feel rich, warm, and timeless.
Key Decor Elements
Tartan and Plaid Everything
This is THE signature of Ralph Lauren Christmas.
Where to add it:
- Tree skirt (tartan is essential)
- Throw pillows on sofas and chairs
- Table runners and placemats
- Stockings
- Ribbon on wreaths
- Wrapped gifts
Pattern mixing: Mix different plaids and tartans – it actually looks more expensive and intentional.
Budget finds: HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Target’s holiday section, fabric stores.
Luxe Tree Decorations
A full, traditional tree is central to this look.
Tree style: Real tree or very realistic faux, full and lush.
Ornaments:
- Tartan ribbon (lots of it)
- Plaid ornaments
- Vintage-style glass ornaments in red, green, gold
- Velvet bows
- Equestrian-themed ornaments (horses, riding boots)
- Monogrammed ornaments
- Mercury glass ornaments
Tree skirt: Red or green tartan plaid.
Lights: Warm white, never colored.
Stockings Done Right
Hung on the mantle with care, obviously.
Style: Classic red or green, tartan plaid, cable knit, or velvet.
Personalization: Monogrammed or embroidered names.
Hung with: Thick grosgrain ribbon or elegant hooks.
Stuffers showing: Let a bit of greenery or ribbon peek out the top.
Statement Wreath
Large, full, and traditional.
Base: Real or faux evergreen in a full, lush style.
Add: Tartan bow (big and dramatic), pinecones, red berries, maybe magnolia leaves.
Size matters: Go bigger than you think. Ralph Lauren doesn’t do dainty.
Placement: Front door, above mantle, on large mirrors.
Layered Textiles
This is what makes it feel expensive.
Living room:
- Tartan throw blankets on sofas
- Velvet or needlepoint pillows
- Cable knit throws
- Layered rugs (traditional oriental or plaid)
Dining room:
- Linen tablecloth
- Tartan or velvet table runner
- Cloth napkins (never paper)
- Placemats in complementary patterns
Bedroom:
- Tartan duvet or throw
- Velvet or needlepoint accent pillows
- Cable knit throw at foot of bed
Mantle Styling
The mantle is a major focal point.
Greenery: Real garland across the entire mantle, full and lush.
Stockings: Hung evenly with beautiful ribbon or hooks.
Symmetry: Matching candlesticks on each end, matching hurricanes with candles.
Center: Large wreath above or statement piece in the middle.
Details: Pinecones, small ornaments, tartan ribbon woven through garland.
Lighting: Warm candlelight creates that cozy glow.
Equestrian Touches
Subtle nods to the equestrian lifestyle.
Ideas:
- Small horse figurines on shelves
- Riding boot stockings
- Plaid horse blanket as a throw
- Equestrian-themed ornaments
- Brass or leather details
- Hunt scene prints or vintage equestrian art
Don’t overdo it – just hints here and there.
Fresh Greenery Everywhere
Real greenery is worth the investment.
Where to use:
- Garland on mantle and staircase
- Wreaths on doors and walls
- Centerpieces for tables
- Small arrangements on side tables
- Tucked into bookshelves
Types: Pine, fir, cedar, eucalyptus, magnolia leaves, holly with berries.
Smell: This is part of the luxury – your house should smell like Christmas.
Room by Room
Living Room
Full traditional tree with tartan skirt, styled mantle with garland and stockings, tartan throw pillows, cable knit blankets, warm lighting from candles and lamps.
Dining Room
Tartan or elegant table runner, brass or gold candlesticks, evergreen centerpiece, cloth napkins in red or green, place cards for formal dinners.
Entryway
Large wreath on door, console table with greenery and candles, tartan runner, basket with extra blankets, welcoming and elegant first impression.
Bedroom
Tartan throw on bed, holiday pillows, small tree or evergreen arrangement on dresser, cozy and inviting.
Budget-Friendly Shopping Strategy
Where to shop:
- HomeGoods/TJ Maxx: Amazing for tartan throws, pillows, ornaments
- Target: Surprisingly good tartan and traditional Christmas
- Pottery Barn (sale section): Classic pieces at better prices
- Fabric stores: Buy tartan fabric by the yard, make your own runners and tree skirt
- Thrift stores: Vintage ornaments, brass candlesticks, traditional decor
- Michael’s/Hobby Lobby: Greenery, ribbon, basic ornaments (use coupons)
What to splurge on:
- One really nice tartan throw
- Quality tree (if faux)
- Real greenery for high-impact areas
What to save on:
- Ornaments (mix expensive with cheap)
- Smaller textile items
- Candles and accessories
DIY Ralph Lauren Style
Make your own tartan tree skirt: Buy fabric, cut circle, hem edges. Saves $100+.
Create wreaths: Buy plain evergreen wreaths, add your own tartan bows and embellishments.
Frame tartan fabric: Cheap art that looks expensive.
Wrap boxes in tartan: Use as decor under tree or on tables.
Monogram stockings yourself: Use iron-on letters or embroidery.
The Details That Matter
Lighting: Warm, ambient, layered. Use candles, lamps, fireplace if you have one. Overhead lights off.
Scent: Pine, cinnamon, cedar. Use real greenery or high-quality candles.
Finishing touches:
- Books stacked on coffee table with plaid ribbon
- Brass or silver trays corralling items
- Crystal or cut glass for elegance
- Monograms where appropriate
- Nothing plastic or obviously cheap
The vibe: Should feel collected over time, not bought all at once.
What Makes It Work
The Ralph Lauren Christmas look is about layering classic, quality pieces in a traditional palette. It’s not minimalist or trendy – it’s timeless and abundant.
The key is making it feel curated and intentional, not cluttered. Every piece should feel like it belongs, and the overall effect should be warm, inviting, and quietly luxurious.
You’re creating the feeling of a family estate decorated for the holidays – tradition, comfort, and understated elegance.
My Take
I started with one tartan throw from HomeGoods ($25) and built from there. Added tartan ribbon to my tree the next year, then pillows, then a table runner. Now my living room has that Ralph Lauren vibe and I’ve spent maybe $200 total over three years.
The best part? This style doesn’t go out of fashion. These pieces work year after year. That tartan throw gets used every winter, not just at Christmas.
Start with one signature piece – a beautiful tartan throw or a full, lush wreath – and build your collection slowly. This isn’t a look you create overnight, and honestly, that’s part of its charm.