Put together a warm, classic Ralph Lauren Christmas using deep reds, navy, tartan ribbon, velvet ornaments, magnolia stems, and timeless traditional touches. Find all the ideas here!
When I began decorating our living room for Christmas this year, I followed my usual routine: coffee in hand, I browsed the newest holiday collections and took in all the trends emerging for the season. I jotted down what I loved (those deep, moody shades!) and what didn’t quite feel like “us.” Then I looked through my own Christmas stash and saw that I could play up the rich dark reds, classic navy blues, and forest greens that are so popular right now.
If you’ve been around a while, you know I like switching between traditional and non-traditional color schemes each year.
My kitchen and bedroom Christmas decor usually stay fairly traditional, like old friends I’d rather not change much. The living room, though, is where I like to experiment. A few new ribbons, a couple of ornaments, maybe a charming figurine, and mostly I refresh the space by mixing what I already own in new, unexpected combinations. It keeps things fun and budget-friendly while still feeling fresh.
Last year’s theme may be one of my all-time favorites: an Orange, Blue and Brown Christmas palette. Wow, it was stunning! It carried us beautifully from fall through Christmas and well into winter. Many of the pieces I used, like my beloved plaid pillows and the layered bookshelf decor, stayed out until spring. This year, though, it was time to go more traditional, and that’s what I did! Want to come take a look?
My Plan for a Classic Ralph Lauren-Inspired Christmas Living Room
After seeing the “Ralph Lauren Christmas” trend all over social media, with its mix of dark reds, greens and blues, I knew I wanted to bring some of that timeless, cozy lodge feeling into our home this year.
Here’s the big-picture classic Christmas plan:
Last year was the first time I left our family ornaments off the main tree, and I plan to keep doing that. The sentimental pieces go on the bedroom tree, so the living room tree can be the “fancy one,” and I love that arrangement.
A Ralph Lauren-Inspired Christmas in My Living Room
And here’s how the vision came together!
ITEMS IN THIS ROOM: Mantel Garland | Magnolia Stems | Pomegranate Stems | Green Velvet Stockings | Red Velvet Stockings | Plaid Stocking for Dog | Hanging Bells | Mini Wreaths | 55″ Frame TV | Christmas TV Art | Chinoiserie Planters | Boxwood Topiaries | Christmas Tree | Wide Red Velvet Ribbon | Red Tartan Ribbon | Green and Navy Tartan Ribbon | Brown Ornaments | Red Velvet Ornaments | Navy Velvet Ornaments | Antique-style Blue Rug | Sectional in Twill Fabric |
I also love the pops of blue, red and green, mixed with gold and silver. Last time I tried red and didn’t love it, and I think it needed more colors mixed in. I’ve figured out that I have to work blues into my Christmas decor, whether navy, chambray or light blue. It just makes me happy. When blue is missing, something feels off. Ha!
All of the ribbon was already in my stash, and I simply mixed it together! I layered in my old gold and silver ornaments, pinecones, magnolia leaves, brass bells, and the velvet ornaments in this year’s palette. The only new ornaments I bought were the dark red and navy velvet bulbs.
I love how all the traditional, classic pieces came together to bring this theme to life. I’m really happy with how it turned out.
A Santa Theme I Didn’t Plan!
The funny thing is that after I finished planning this year’s decor, a little sub-theme crept in: Santa! I pulled out some of my favorite photos of the girls visiting Santa over the years, printed them, and framed them. They feel so classic and sentimental to me.
Then, on a TJ Maxx run (as one does), I spotted the most gorgeous Santa throw pillows and knew they had to come home with me. They captured exactly the nostalgic, traditional vibe I was after.
Once I realized I had accidentally created a Santa moment, I embraced it. I added my Santa ornaments to the tree and displayed a gorgeous leather-bound copy of The Night Before Christmas with an old-fashioned Santa on the cover. It ties in with my Santa mugs and Santa salt-and-pepper shakers in the kitchen, so it just felt right.
I even took all the Santa ornaments off my other tree and mixed them into this one.
Honestly, I probably should have bought Santa wrapping paper too, but I went with the “Ralph Lauren Polo Bear” idea instead and grabbed the cutest dressed-up Christmas bear from TJ Maxx. He may be a bit out of place this year, but I adore him. I’ll likely keep him for years and eventually move him upstairs to our loft nook.
An Asymmetrical Classic Christmas Mantel
Can a mantel be asymmetrical and classic? I say yes! I usually drape my garland in one big swoop or two smaller ones, but this year I tried something different: a full, asymmetrical garland with no swoops at all. Just typing that makes me laugh. Who knew garland placement needed this much thought?
For the first time ever, I laid the garland straight across the front of the mantel. Then I tucked in pomegranate and magnolia stems, finishing the ends with pretty red velvet bows. Our velvet red-and-green and plaid stockings hang from hooks screwed in under the mantel (I take them down after Christmas, and you’d never know they were there!).
The garland is so full and lovely that I kept the top of the mantel simple: a framed version of one of my free Christmas printables on one side and our new Christmas countdown on the other. Minimal and sweet, it’s the perfect partner for all that lush greenery.
And the boxwood topiaries? I just tied on little bows to match the tree. Cute and effortless!
Classic Bookshelf Décor for Christmas
This year I set my nativity, which I found last year, on my bookshelf, and I love it! I mixed in pops of red with a picture frame, a Santa, ribbons and some free printable Christmas art (grab yours here!).
It all feels simple, classic and collected, using mostly pieces that stay on the bookshelf all year. It really doesn’t take much to give your home a festive touch.
How Do You Decorate a Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree?
Oh friend, if you’re dreaming of that classic Ralph Lauren Christmas look, the kind that feels like a cozy lodge wrapped in tartan and candlelight, you’re speaking my language. It’s a timeless style, and the good news is that you can absolutely pull it together with the pieces listed above. Let me walk you through it step by step, as if we’re styling it side by side in your living room with Christmas music playing and hot cocoa nearby.
1. Begin with a Warm White Glow
Before anything else, load the tree with warm white lights. Ralph Lauren style is all about ambiance… think fireside glow.
- Aim for plenty of lights, tucked deep into the branches. Learn how to put them on here.
- Add a few near the tips for sparkle, but keep most nestled inside so the whole tree feels layered and rich.
- Or buy a tree with plenty of lights already on it, like I did!
2. Add Your Tartan Ribbon (the Secret Ingredient!)
Tartan really makes the RL look.
- Cut your ribbon into 3–4 ft strips, then tuck and billow them loosely, with an almost effortless feel.
- Let the tartan weave in and out, never too polished, just that collected, timeless charm.
- If you have several patterns, layer a thin velvet ribbon over a wider tartan for extra depth, or do the reverse, like I did!
- I carried the theme down to the base with my reversible tartan tree skirt!
3. Mix Metals Like a Pro
Gold and silver is so RL: sophisticated without being stiff.
- Spread both evenly through the tree, avoiding big clumps of one metal.
- Think of them as jewelry: they should add shimmer without stealing the show.
4. Bring in the Luxurious Velvet Bulbs
Those red velvet and navy velvet ornaments are the heart of this palette.
- Hang the navy ornaments deeper in the tree to build that moody, layered backdrop.
- Put the red velvet bulbs toward the outer edges for warmth and a pop of color.
- This contrast creates the “library room at Christmas” feel.
5. Add Magnolia Stems for a Touch of Southern Charm
Magnolia leaves add rich, traditional texture.
- Tuck stems into the top two-thirds of the tree, angling the glossy green or warm brown sides outward depending on your room’s palette.
- Use them sparingly, as elegant accents rather than filler.
6. Layer in Gold Berry Picks
These add sparkle and depth.
- Angle some upward and some downward for a natural look.
- Focus on the spots where your ribbon dips in; berry picks look lovely tucked right where the ribbon disappears.
- I placed mine at the top of the tree, so it’s up to you where to add them!
7. Add Santa Ornaments for Personality
Ralph Lauren never shies away from charm or nostalgia.
- Scatter these Santas around the tree where the eye naturally lands.
- Set one or two front and center so they stand out.
8. Finish with a Handsome, Rugged Tree Topper
Skip the bow this year and choose something with a more rugged, lodge-inspired feel.
- A wooden star is perfect: warm, natural and timeless.
- You can angle a few magnolia leaves or tartan ribbon tails just below it to tie the top into the rest of the tree, but let the star remain the main attraction.
- The wood grain brings the rich, masculine energy Ralph Lauren is known for, a nod to a rustic cabin or a gentleman’s study.
The Final Look
You’ll end up with a tree that feels:
Rich
Cozy
Traditional
Collected
Layered
Pure Ralph Lauren Christmas Lodge
It’s the kind of tree that makes you want to snuggle under a wool throw with soft carols and a warm cup of something!
Closing Thoughts
As I step back and look at our living room this year, I can’t help but smile. This classic Ralph Lauren–inspired Christmas feels so warm, so collected, and so “us.” I love how the rich colors, layered textures and little nostalgic touches came together to create a space that feels both refined and wonderfully cozy for our everyday family life.
Whether you’re building your own classic Christmas, trying a new color palette, or simply refreshing what you already have, I hope this inspires you to make your home feel warm and cozy this holiday season. Mix, match, experiment, and let your creativity lead the way.
Merry Christmas, sweet friend, and thanks for spending time with me in our decorated holiday home. I’m so grateful you’re here.
If you try a Ralph Lauren-inspired look this year, tag me on Instagram or send a photo. I’d love to see what you create!
More Rooms Decorated for Christmas
I don’t plan to change many other rooms this year. So if you’d like to see the rest of my Christmas-decorated home, come take a look…
