Create a warm, classic Ralph Lauren–inspired Christmas using deep reds, navy blues, tartan ribbon, velvet ornaments, magnolia stems, and timeless traditional accents. All the ideas are here.
This year when I began decorating the living room, I did what I always do: I poured a cup of coffee, browsed the latest holiday collections, and noted the trends I loved—especially the rich, moody colors—and what didn’t quite feel like us. Then I opened my own decor stash and realized I could lean into those dark reds, classic navy, and evergreen hues that feel so current right now.
If you’ve followed along before, you know I rotate between traditional and more unexpected palettes each year. The kitchen and bedrooms usually stay classic, but the living room is where I love to play—adding a bit of ribbon, a few ornaments, or repurposing beloved pieces for a fresh look that feels new without breaking the bank.
Last year’s orange, blue and brown tree was one of my favorites—it transitioned beautifully from fall into the holiday season. This year, I decided to go more traditional and pull together a cozy, Ralph Lauren lodge-inspired look. Come take a tour.
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Plans for my Classic Ralph Lauren–Inspired Christmas Living Room
After seeing the Ralph Lauren Christmas trend — the mix of dark red, green, and navy tones — I wanted to bring that warm lodge feeling into our home. My vision combined deep color, traditional textures, and layered accents for a timeless holiday atmosphere.
Here’s the vision for a classic holiday living room: lots of tartan ribbon, velvet ornaments in red and navy, mixed metals, magnolia stems for southern charm, and a few sentimental touches to keep things personal.
I decided to keep family ornaments on a smaller tree in the bedroom and let the living room tree be the “fancy one.” That choice keeps the sentimental pieces close while giving the main tree a cohesive, curated look.
Ralph Lauren–Inspired Christmas in My Living Room
And here’s how the idea came together.
Room sources and key pieces include: mantle garland, magnolia stems, pomegranate stems, red and green velvet stockings, tartan accents, hanging bells, mini wreaths, classic ornaments in gold, silver and brown tones, velvet ornaments in navy and red, chinoiserie planters, boxwood topiaries, and a lush artificial tree. These elements combine for a festive, layered, and sophisticated space.
I adore the mix of blue, red and green together—adding navy or chambray tones gives the palette balance and a homey feel. For me, a touch of blue is essential; without it, the room feels incomplete.
Most of the ribbons and ornaments were already in my collection—I layered tartan and velvet ribbons, mixed in old gold and silver ornaments, pinecones, magnolia leaves, brass bells, and a few velvet bulbs in the new color palette. The only new purchases were a handful of deep red and navy velvet bulbs to tie everything together.
I’m thrilled with how the traditional elements blended to create a classic, layered tree that still feels warm and modern.
A Surprise Santa Theme, Too
A playful sub-theme emerged naturally: Santa. I printed and framed favorite photos of the kids with Santa over the years and added nostalgic touches around the room. During a quick store run I found Santa throw pillows that perfectly matched the traditional vibe, so they came home with me.
I added Santa ornaments to the main tree and displayed a leather-bound edition of The Night Before Christmas with an old-fashioned Santa on the cover. These small nostalgic pieces pair well with other Santa mugs and kitchen accents, making the theme feel cohesive rather than kitschy.
I also added a dressed-up holiday bear I found while shopping—an extra bit of classic charm I’ll likely keep for years.
Asymmetrical, Classic Mantel
Yes—a mantel can be both asymmetrical and classic. This year I skipped the usual swoops and placed a full, asymmetrical garland straight across the mantel. I tucked in pomegranate and magnolia stems and finished the ends with red velvet bows. Stockings hang from discreet hooks under the mantel so they’re easy to remove after the holidays.
Because the garland is lush and abundant, I kept the mantel top simple: a framed printable on one side and a Christmas countdown on the other. I also added boxwood topiaries with small coordinating bows for an effortless, finished look.
Classic Christmas Bookshelf Decor
On the bookshelf I placed a small nativity and mixed in pops of red using framed photos, Santa figures, ribbon, and printable holiday art. The goal was a simple, collected look that feels festive without needing a complete overhaul. Many of these items live on the shelves year-round, so adding a few seasonal touches is all it took.
How to Decorate a Ralph Lauren–Style Christmas Tree
If you want that lodge-like, tartan-wrapped, candlelit Ralph Lauren aesthetic, you can achieve it with a few core principles. Here are clear, practical steps to help you style a richly layered, timeless tree.
1. Start with a Warm White Glow
Load the tree with warm white lights for a fireside ambiance. Tuck most lights deep into the branches for depth and add a few closer to the tips for sparkle.
2. Add Tartan Ribbon — the Secret Sauce
Tartan is the hallmark of this look. Cut ribbon into 3–4 ft strips and tuck and billow them loosely through the tree so they weave naturally. Layer a thin velvet ribbon over a wider tartan or vice versa for extra depth.
3. Mix Your Metals Like a Pro
Gold and silver together feel sophisticated and balanced. Scatter both metals evenly to avoid heavy clusters and let them act like jewelry for the tree—shimmer without overpowering.
4. Bring in Luxe Velvet Bulbs
Red and navy velvet ornaments are the palette’s heartbeat. Place navy bulbs deeper in the branches to create a moody background and position red velvet bulbs toward the outer edges for warmth and visual impact.
5. Add Magnolia Stems for Southern Charm
Magnolia leaves add rich texture and a traditional feel. Tuck stems in the upper two-thirds of the tree and angle the glossy or brown sides outward depending on your palette. Use them sparingly as elegant accents, not filler.
6. Layer in Gold Berry Picks
Gold berry picks bring sparkle and dimension. Tuck them where ribbon disappears for a natural look, angling some upward and some downward to mimic organic movement.
7. Add Santa Ornaments for Personality
A few sentimental Santa ornaments lend warmth and nostalgia. Space them where the eye naturally lands and place a couple front-and-center so they feel intentional and special.
8. Finish with a Handsome, Masculine Tree Topper
Opt for a wooden star or similarly rustic topper for a lodge-inspired finish. Add a few magnolia leaves or tartan ribbon tails under the star to tie the top into the rest of the tree while keeping the topper as the focal point.
Final Look
The finished tree and room feel:
- Rich
- Cozy
- Traditional
- Collected
- Layered
- Very Ralph Lauren lodge
It’s the kind of space that invites you to curl up with a wool throw, enjoy soft carols, and sip something warm by the glow of the tree.
Final Thoughts
Stepping back and looking at the living room this holiday season makes me smile. The Ralph Lauren–inspired theme feels warm, polished, and lived-in. The rich colors, layered textures, and nostalgic accents combine to create a refined yet cozy space that works for real family life.
Whether you adapt this style fully or borrow a few ideas—tartan ribbons, a mix of metals, velvet ornaments, or a magnolia accent—start with the pieces you already have and add a few carefully chosen accents. Mix, match, and let your personal touches lead the way.
Merry Christmas, dear friend. Thanks for visiting our holiday home—I’m grateful you’re here. If you try a Ralph Lauren–inspired look this season, tag me on Instagram or share a photo. I’d love to see your version!
Other Rooms Dressed for Christmas
I’m keeping most other rooms fairly consistent this year, but if you want to see more of our holiday decor, check out the kitchen, bedrooms, dining room, and office for seasonal inspiration.
- Christmas Kitchen
- Christmas Bedrooms
- Christmas Dining Room
- Christmas Office