A Ralph Lauren Christmas: Going back to Traditional Christmas Roots

What Is a Ralph Lauren Christmas?

A Ralph Lauren Christmas feels like stepping into a storybook. It’s warm, nostalgic, and polished. It’s an old-world Christmas wrapped in layers of plaid, candlelight, and quiet sophistication. Imagine a home where every ribbon, every ornament, and every throw blanket seems to belong to a family tradition that has existed for generations.

At its heart, a Ralph Lauren Christmas is about balance. It captures elegance without feeling stuffy, and comfort without feeling casual. It feels collected, not curated. It’s the kind of Christmas that welcomes guests into a space where leather armchairs sit beside roaring fireplaces, where tartan blankets are thrown over velvet sofas, and where vintage brass candleholders flicker gently under soft lamplight.

This look is timeless because it leans on heritage. Ralph Lauren’s vision of the holidays has always been grounded in an appreciation for tradition—handcrafted pieces, natural materials, and layered textures that bring both depth and history into a home. It evokes the feeling of family gatherings in countryside estates, polished silver trays on coffee tables, and a sense that every object has a story.

But this isn’t just about recreating a designer catalog. The beauty of a Ralph Lauren Christmas is that it can exist in any home. Whether you live in a city apartment or a spacious house, the key is to embrace the charm of craftsmanship, the richness of texture, and the glow of authenticity. It’s not about buying everything new; it’s about layering what you have in a thoughtful, inviting way.

Why It’s So Popular in 2025

This year, the Ralph Lauren aesthetic feels more relevant than ever. After several years of minimalist interiors and neutral color palettes, people are craving warmth, depth, and emotion in their spaces again. We want homes that feel personal and full of life—places that reflect our stories rather than erase them.

The Pull of Nostalgia

We live in a time when people are looking back for inspiration. The holidays, especially, spark our desire for tradition and comfort. A Ralph Lauren Christmas taps directly into that sentiment. It reminds us of childhood memories, family dinners, and the romance of a season filled with glowing fireplaces and classic music playing softly in the background.

A Rebellion Against Minimalism

The trend cycle has shifted. Clean, bare spaces had their moment, but now there is a growing appreciation for depth and richness. The Ralph Lauren aesthetic offers an antidote to sterile modernism. It brings life back into interiors through layered fabrics, mixed materials, and collected pieces that tell a story. This season, people are choosing cozy over cold and timeless over trendy.

Social Media Influence

On platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, “Ralph Lauren Christmas” has become a trending phrase. Designers and content creators are sharing their takes on the style, from plaid tree skirts to grand library-inspired living rooms decorated for the season. What’s remarkable is that even the most modern spaces can take cues from the Ralph Lauren look—proving that this aesthetic isn’t just traditional; it’s enduring.

A Return to Quality

More homeowners are prioritizing pieces that last. Instead of disposable décor, people are investing in craftsmanship—wool throws, velvet pillows, solid wood furniture, and vintage finds. The Ralph Lauren Christmas look embodies this mindset. It’s about slowing down, appreciating details, and choosing items that you’ll cherish for years to come.

In 2025, when many are yearning for warmth and familiarity, this aesthetic stands out as a comforting reminder that beauty can be both elegant and approachable.

How to Achieve the Look

Creating a Ralph Lauren Christmas doesn’t mean buying everything from a luxury retailer. It’s about layering, texture, and timeless elements that create a sense of cozy grandeur. Think of it as building a story through design—one that blends old and new, luxury and comfort, elegance and heart.

The Color Palette

Every beautiful room begins with color. The Ralph Lauren palette leans into the richness of the season—deep greens, oxblood reds, navy blues, chestnut browns, and warm creams. These tones create the foundation of the look, setting a mood that feels grounded and inviting.

If you love a lighter aesthetic, pair these deeper hues with ivory, champagne, or pale gold. A plaid pillow in forest green feels softer when layered over an ivory knit throw. For those who want something moodier, lean into espresso tones, navy velvet, and touches of brass.

To keep the palette cohesive, limit yourself to three or four dominant colors and repeat them across your décor. For example, a combination of forest green, cream, and burgundy can flow beautifully from your living room to your dining area.

Texture and Material

Texture is what gives the Ralph Lauren style its soul. It’s what makes a room feel layered, lived-in, and warm. Incorporate fabrics that invite touch—velvet, wool, cashmere, and leather. Use materials that have depth and character—aged brass, dark wood, cut crystal, and woven rattan.

Try draping a plaid wool blanket over a linen armchair. Place a leather-bound book beside a brass lamp. Add a velvet pillow on a boucle bench. These small touches add up to something grand and cohesive.

Don’t forget about natural textures. Greenery—real or faux—adds life and movement to your space. Use garlands made of pine, cedar, or eucalyptus to frame mantels and doorways. A few sprigs tucked into a vase or tied with velvet ribbon instantly feel elevated.

Pattern Play

Plaid is the star of this show, but it works best when balanced with solids and subtle patterns. Too much tartan can overwhelm the eye, but used strategically, it anchors the room beautifully.

If your tree skirt is plaid, keep your stockings solid. If your table runner is patterned, use plain napkins in complementary colors. Layer stripes or herringbone with your tartan accents for more visual interest. The key is restraint—enough pattern to create charm, not chaos.

Styling Each Room

The Living Room

This is where the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic shines. Start with a neutral base—cream or beige sofas, dark wood furniture—and layer in color through textiles. Add plaid pillows, a wool throw, and a few brass or crystal accessories.

Lighting is everything here. Choose warm bulbs or soft candlelight. Floor lamps and sconces with linen shades will make the room glow. Add evergreen garlands to the mantel and a collection of ornaments in classic shapes and finishes—glass, gold, or hand-painted designs.

The Dining Room

A Ralph Lauren-inspired table is a study in elegance. Start with a crisp white or cream tablecloth, then layer a tartan runner down the center. Add brass candlesticks, crystal glassware, and white china with gold detailing. A simple evergreen centerpiece with red berries completes the look.

For an extra touch of refinement, use cloth napkins tied with velvet ribbon instead of paper ones. Each place setting can include a small ornament or handwritten name tag for a personal touch.

The Bedroom

Don’t neglect your private spaces. A cozy Christmas bedroom is part of the magic. Layer your bed with a mix of textures—a quilted velvet blanket, plaid accent pillows, and a wool blanket folded at the foot. Add a small wreath above the bed and a few soft fairy lights for a dreamy glow.

The Entryway and Mantel

Your entryway sets the tone for the entire home. A wreath with plaid ribbon, a bench with a tartan pillow, or a vintage mirror with a garland draped across it creates an inviting welcome. For the mantel, mix greenery, candles, and personal touches like family photos in brass frames.

A Touch of Holiday Magic

The Ralph Lauren Christmas look is defined by understated luxury, not by excess. Every item should feel intentional and connected to the larger story.

• Use warm lighting. Soft white bulbs or LED candles create that inviting glow.

• Stick to your chosen color palette for wrapping paper and ribbons to maintain cohesion.

• Choose ornaments with texture—velvet, glass, wood—and avoid anything overly glittery or neon.

• Incorporate scent. Candles that smell like pine, amber, or cedar enhance the sensory experience.

• Add a few vintage or antique pieces, like an old silver tray or brass bowl filled with pinecones.

It’s these small, layered decisions that create the luxurious feeling Ralph Lauren is known for.

Shopping Guide: Amazon Finds That Fit the Look

You don’t need to splurge on designer décor to achieve the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. Many affordable pieces can help you create the same feeling.

Velvet Ornaments – Deep red or forest green velvet ornaments instantly bring richness to your tree. Choose matte finishes instead of shiny ones for a more refined look.

Plaid Throw Blankets – A classic tartan blanket draped over your sofa or bed ties everything together. Look for wool or faux wool blends that have that authentic texture.

Brass Candleholders – Candlelight is essential for creating atmosphere. Brass holders with tall white or red candles will make any space feel sophisticated.

Velvet Ribbons – Use these for everything from wreaths to gift wrapping.

When shopping, think quality over quantity. Choose items that feel substantial and timeless. The goal is not to have more décor but the right décor.

Bringing It All Together

A Ralph Lauren Christmas is about creating a home that feels layered, lived-in, and deeply personal. It’s about celebrating craftsmanship, texture, and timeless design while making room for your own story. Every piece you add should feel like part of something that will only grow more beautiful over time.

This aesthetic isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about building tradition. The reason it feels so right this year is because it invites us to slow down and savor the season. It’s a reminder that beauty can be comfortable, and luxury can be warm.

If you want your home to embody this timeless elegance while still feeling true to you, that’s where a design and build team like Vergara Homes can help. From custom wood finishes to lighting that creates the perfect glow, our approach ensures every detail feels intentional. Whether you’re dreaming of a Ralph Lauren-inspired living room or a full holiday renovation, we’ll help you design a space that captures both comfort and sophistication.