Ralph Lauren Holiday Décor: The Old-Money Christmas Revival
SPECIAL OCCASIONSHOME & GARDEN
The Soul Blogger
10/24/202513 min read
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Ralph Lauren Holiday Décor Rules and the Old-Money Christmas Revival
There’s a new yet nostalgically familiar trend taking over holiday homes this year – the viral “Ralph Lauren Christmas” aesthetic. If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve likely seen it on TikTok and Pinterest: lush evergreens, plaid ribbons, and rooms aglow in soft. This nostalgic, traditional style feels like a revival of old-money Christmas charm, and indeed, it is. While it’s captured the internet’s imagination, Southern grandmothers and prep-school alums alike have been perfecting this polished holiday look for. Now, a new generation is rediscovering its timeless appeal, blending classic elegance with cozy family warmth.
So what sets a “Ralph Lauren Christmas” apart from any other red-and-green holiday decor? It’s all about layering luxury on tradition. Think of equestrian touches and rich mahogany woodwork, maybe even a glass of brandy by the fireplace – touches that exude a refined, old-world. The vibe is preppy, plush, and nostalgic: picture deep forest greens, navy blues, and burgundies paired with tartan plaid, brass accents, weathered leather, and velvet cushions. The result is a holiday style that feels like stepping into a timeless New England manor, where every detail from the twinkling lights to the tartan throw tells a story of heritage and comfort. It’s formal without being stuffy, and cozy without any clutter – in short, the Ralph Lauren holiday look is the perfect marriage of old-money elegance and heartfelt Christmas cheer.
Below, we’ve distilled this trend into a set of décor “rules” to help you bring that Ralph Lauren holiday magic into your own home. Follow these guidelines – and don’t be afraid to add your personal spin – for a festive season that’s equal parts classic, luxurious, and family-friendly.
Rule 1: Choose a Rich, Classic Color Palette
The foundation of a Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas is a timeless color palette. Embrace traditional holiday hues that feel luxurious and deep. Start with heritage colors: forest green, cranberry red, navy blue, and accents of gold or brass for sparkle. These rich shades instantly evoke that cozy, lodge-like feeling of an old-money holiday retreat. You might paint an accent wall a deep hunter green or simply use these colors in your linens and décor pieces – from table runners to tree ornaments – to set the tone. Complement the bold colors with neutrals like creamy whites or camel to balance and add warmth.
Importantly, keep your palette focused and cohesive. Rather than chasing every trendy color, stick to a few key hues so that everything flows. For example, if you choose classic red-and-green tartan as your pattern, carry those colors through your wrapping paper, throw pillows, and even gift ribbons for a pulled-together look. By limiting the palette, you prevent visual clutter and achieve that “curated” designer feel. The goal is a room where nothing visually clashes – just a harmonious canvas of rich, holiday colors that immediately signals Ralph Lauren elegance.
Shop the Look: Choose a Rich, Classic Color Palette
Rule 2: Layer Textures and Patterns (Tartan, Velvet & More)
Once your color base is set, it’s time to layer in the textures and patterns that define the Ralph Lauren look. The magic of this style is in the mix of materials – think wool, velvet, leather, wood, and brass all working together in harmony. Start with the quintessential pattern of the season: tartan plaid. A plaid throw blanket over the arm of a sofa or a couple of plaid accent pillows instantly shouts classic holiday. However, a key rule is not to go overboard with pattern. Choose one or two plaid designs in complementary colors and use them thoughtfully – for example, a single tartan throw and matching ribbon on the tree. Too many different plaids or prints can clash and dilute the refined effect. By using tartan in moderation, you keep the look refined and not overly busy.
Balance out the bold plaid with solid, sumptuous textures. Add velvet cushions in jewel tones like deep emerald or burgundy to soften a leather armchair or a Chesterfield sofa. Layer in a chunky cable-knit throw or a cashmere blanket for extra coziness. On the floor, a classic Oriental rug or a faux fur rug in front of the fireplace adds warmth underfoot. Incorporate dark wood furniture (like a mahogany coffee table or oak bookshelves) as a nod to traditional craftsmanship, and let brass or gold accents gleam against these heavier textures.
Don’t forget subtle natural elements too. A bowl of pinecones, a vase of holly or eucalyptus, or woven wicker baskets with firewood can bring an organic balance to all the rich fabrics. The end result should feel as if each item has been collected over time – a mix of heirloom-quality pieces and cozy finds that together create depth. When you walk into the room, you notice layers of interest: the sheen of velvet, the gloss of polished wood, the glint of brass, and the timeless pattern of plaid. It’s this tactile luxury that makes the space so inviting.
Shop the Look: Layer Textures and Patterns
Rule 3: Use Warm Lighting for a Cozy Glow
Lighting can make or break the ambiance, and in an old-money holiday setting it is absolutely everything. Ditch any harsh, cool-toned lights in favor of a warm, candlelit glow. Aim for that gentle, golden illumination you’d find in a historic estate or a cozy lodge. Start by swapping out bright-white bulbs for warm white ones (think ~2700K temperature or labeled “soft white”). When your lamps and light strings cast a soft amber glow, every tartan and wood grain in the room will look inviting.
Next, layer your lighting sources to create depth. Twinkle lights or fairy lights are perfect for weaving through garlands and draping on the Christmas tree – stick to warm-white strands (no flashing colored LEDs) to maintain a classic feel. Place candles liberally (real or realistic flameless ones for safety): candlesticks on the mantel, pillar candles nestled among table garlands, and tea lights or votives twinkling on side tables. If you have a fireplace, let that be a central source of flickering warmth – nothing says “welcome home” like a crackling fire. In absence of a real fireplace, grouping lanterns with LED candles by the hearth or in corners can mimic that effect.
Also consider accent lighting for that gentle glow in dark corners. Small plug-in wall lamps or battery-operated library lamps on bookshelves can cast cozy pockets of light. The idea is to turn off harsh overheads and instead illuminate the room with layers of soft light, as if every space is gently touched by the glow of Christmas past. Under this lighting, brass accents will gleam softly and everything (and everyone) looks a bit more magical. When the sun sets, your home should feel like it’s bathed in candlelight – truly an old-world holiday atmosphere.
Shop the Look: Use Warm Lighting
Rule 4: Decorate with Classic Accents & Heirloom Details
One hallmark of the Ralph Lauren holiday style is that it feels timeless – as though the decorations could have been lovingly passed down through generations. To achieve this, focus on classic accents and heirloom-style details in your décor. Trim your tree and home with pieces that have a storybook, nostalgic quality. For instance, choose ornaments in traditional shapes (think glass balls, wooden nutcrackers, metal jingle bells) and classic colors (deep reds, greens, golds). Avoid ultra-modern or overly themed ornaments; instead, opt for things that look like they might have hung on a tree in the 1950s or 1890s just as easily as today. A few vintage-style ornaments or family heirlooms (like Grandpa’s carved wooden Santa or delicate hand-blown glass baubles) will instantly add authenticity and charm.
Brass and gold accents are your friend here. Incorporate brass candlesticks, lanterns, or picture frames on your mantel and shelves to lend that old-money polish. A vintage brass horse statuette or stag (deer) figure can nod to the equestrian and woodland themes often seen in Ralph Lauren décor, bringing in a bit of that English country house vibe. Display leather-bound books (even thrifted ones with lovely worn covers) on coffee tables or bookshelves – they double as decor and underscore the idea of a cultivated, inherited style. You can also fill a crystal bowl or silver tray with antique Christmas cards, pinecones, or gilded ornaments for a genteel touch.
When it comes to greenery and florals, go for classic and real-looking. Use evergreen garlands (real or high-quality faux) on your mantel and stairway, accented with natural pinecones, clusters of berries, or even pheasant feathers for a luxe twist. Tie them off with plaid ribbons or velvet bows in deep red or navy for a subtle festive accent. Wreaths on doors or above the fireplace can get the same treatment – a simple green wreath elevated with a tartan bow can be far more elegant than an over-complicated arrangement. Pro tip: Coordinate your gift wrap with the room too – wrap presents under the tree in papers that match your palette (like tartan print paper or solid burgundy with gold ribbon). A stack of gifts in matching wrap and ribbon looks picture-perfect and intentional, rather than a hodgepodge of store-bought patterns.
Finally, be mindful of editing your decor. Old-money style isn’t about having more, it’s about choosing well. Instead of many cheap trinkets, display a few standout pieces: a beautiful porcelain Santa or nutcracker here, a framed family holiday photo in silver there. Resist the urge to clutter every surface; let each decor item breathe and be appreciated. When every ornament and accent feels intentional, your home will radiate that effortlessly elegant holiday charm we associate with Ralph Lauren’s vision.
Shop the Look: Decorate with Classic Accents
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Rule 5: Curate Cozy Focal Points – Tree, Mantel & Table
In a Ralph Lauren holiday home, certain areas become showpieces of your décor. Pay special attention to the Christmas tree, the fireplace mantel, and your dining table, as these focal points will anchor your old-money Christmas look. By thoughtfully styling each, you’ll create moments that draw the eye and warm the heart.
Christmas Tree: Make your tree the epitome of classic elegance. Stick to one cohesive color scheme for ornaments – for instance, shades of deep green, burgundy, and gold to echo the room’s palette. Incorporate luxurious materials: hang a mix of shiny gold and matte red ornaments, maybe some plaid-covered baubles or velvet-finish ones for texture. Use warm white lights exclusively; they give a soft timeless glow (avoid any blinking colored lights or overly modern toppers). For the topper, consider a simple yet striking choice, like a large velvet bow, a classic star, or a cluster of gilded pinecones and feathers instead of a gimmicky figure. And don’t forget the ribbons – cascading tartan ribbons or strips of velvet ribbon flowing down the tree can give it a high-end designer look. Under the tree, keep the look polished with coordinating gift wrap (as mentioned) and perhaps a tree skirt that matches the theme – a dark green velvet tree skirt or a plaid one can tie it all together.
Fireplace Mantel & Hearth: The mantel is your stage for instant ambiance. Drape a full evergreen garland across it, weaving in tiny lights for sparkle. Add brass candlesticks with white or cream taper candles for height variation. You can tuck in a few special accents among the greens – think small antique figurines, elegant ornaments, or even sprigs of holly for color. If you have stockings, choose ones that complement your scheme (plaid, knit cable patterns, or velvet in your palette rather than loud cartoon prints). On the hearth below, you might place a basket of firewood and some old-fashioned lanterns or hurricane vases with candles to extend the look downward. The idea is to create a mantel that looks lush and inviting, as if lifted from a Victorian Christmas card yet entirely livable.
Dining Table: Bring the Ralph Lauren aesthetic to your Christmas dinner table for a truly immersive experience. Start with a tartan or damask table runner in your key colors, or use classic plaid chargers under each plate. China or dinnerware should be simple and elegant – plain white with gold rims works beautifully, or you can use Ralph Lauren-inspired tartan-pattern plates for a statement. Cloth napkins in a coordinating color (deep red, forest green, or navy) instantly elevate the setting. For the centerpiece, keep it low and lush: a garland or arrangement of greenery running down the table with candles nestled throughout creates a warm glow (add red berries, pinecones, or even magnolia leaves for interest). Avoid anything too tall that blocks conversation; a row of low arrangements or a few small clusters is both refined and practical. Finish each setting with a small touch of charm – perhaps a sprig of pine or a tiny ornament tied to each napkin ring, giving guests a hint of the holiday magic at their seat.
By dedicating care to these focal areas, you ensure that wherever family and guests gather – around the tree for presents, by the fire for stories, or at the table for dinner – they’re surrounded by the cozy sophistication of your Ralph Lauren-inspired décor. Each spot feels like a vignette from a holiday magazine spread, yet it’s filled with personal touches that make it your home.
Shop the Look: Curate Focal Points
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Rule 6: Add Finishing Touches for All the Senses
With the visuals in place, don’t forget the intangible elements that truly breathe life into your old-money Christmas setting. The finest homes engage all the senses. To start, infuse your space with seasonal scents that complement your décor. Light a scented candle (or use diffusers) in fragrances like pine, cedar, sandalwood, or clove – aromas that evoke a winter forest or a gentleman’s study decked for the holidays. A hint of cinnamon or vanilla from the kitchen (think fresh-baked cookies or spiced cider simmering on the stove) won’t go amiss either! The goal is for people to not only see the elegance but smell the Christmas warmth as soon as they walk in.
Consider the soundtrack of your holiday home as well. In the background, play gentle, classic Christmas music that fits the sophisticated vibe – instrumental jazz versions of carols, Frank Sinatra or Nat King Cole holiday tunes, or even classical renditions of Christmas hymns. The soft melody of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” or the richness of a Tchaikovsky suite can subconsciously transport everyone to a storybook Christmas setting. It’s these subtle audio cues that add depth to the atmosphere, making your home feel like a scene from a holiday film.
Lastly, maintain an air of effortless calm by keeping clutter at bay. Old-money style is curated – recall the motto “quality over quantity.” Once you’ve placed all your decor, do a final edit of the room and put away any extraneous mess or overly modern distractions. Hide those plastic toy bins (at least for the party), tidy up the open shelves so only charming items are on display, and ensure there’s a clear, cozy flow for guests to move through. This doesn’t mean a sterile space – far from it. It means every throw draped and pillow placed should feel intentional. Leave out a few pretty hardcover books on the coffee table, set matches in a nice box by the candles, maybe have a plush tartan blanket folded neatly over a chair, ready for someone to snuggle. These finishing touches make the difference between a beautiful room and a truly inviting holiday haven.
By engaging sight, smell, and sound – and keeping everything elegantly in check – you create an atmosphere that wraps everyone in comfort and joy. In this way, your Ralph Lauren holiday décor isn’t just seen; it’s felt and remembered.
Shop the Look: Add Finishing Touches
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Where Heritage Meets Holiday Magic
A Ralph Lauren holiday décor scheme isn’t just about looking stylish – it’s about capturing a feeling of timeless warmth and grace. In embracing these décor rules, you’re reviving more than an aesthetic; you’re rekindling the comforting glow of Christmases past, when traditions were treasured and elegance was effortless. The plaid patterns, the golden candlelight, the scent of pine and clove in the air – together they create an atmosphere where old memories can be relived and new ones made.
As you deck your halls in this old-money revival style, remember that the true magic lies in the blend of luxury and love: the polished silver that holds grandma’s cookies, the velvet pillow fort where the kids curl up to read ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, the heirloom ornament hung front and center on the tree. This holiday, let your home tell a story – one of heritage, hospitality, and heart. Here’s to a Christmas that wraps you in comfort and timeless charm, just like a favorite Ralph Lauren sweater by a crackling fire. Happy Holidays!
FAQ: How to Get the Ralph Lauren Christmas Look
Q: What colors should I use?
Stick to deep reds, forest greens, navy blues, and gold. Keep it cohesive.
Q: Can I mix plaids?
Use one main plaid per space. If mixing, keep to the same color family.
Q: Can I get this look on a budget?
Yes! Thrift plaid throws, brass candlesticks, and use ribbon creatively.
Q: Is this style kid-friendly?
Very. Use soft textures, safe lighting, and involve kids in decorating.
Q: What makes a Ralph Lauren-style tree?
Classic ornaments, warm lights, tartan ribbon, and coordinated gift wrap.
Hi! I’m Barbora, the voice and heart behind The Soul Blogger. I’m a creative spirit who finds joy in home projects, cozy spaces, soulful travel, and simple-yet-beautiful living. I started this blog as a personal outlet—a place to share my inspirations, explore fresh ideas, and connect with others who value both beauty and meaning in everyday life.
I live surrounded by the rhythms of family life and find peace in moments of creativity, whether I’m crafting a DIY project, styling a comforting corner of my home, or discovering a hidden café in a far-off city. Travel—especially journeys that blend culture, food, and stunning scenery—fuels my sense of wonder and storytelling.
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