Ralph Lauren Christmas decor is all about tartan plaid, rich reds, hunter green and warm brass, the cozy, traditional look of a country lodge at the holidays. Here are 22 DIY ideas to get the look on a budget, for the tree, living room, porch and table.
📌 Save this for later: tap the Save button on the image to pin it to your Pinterest board.
Jump to
What Is Ralph Lauren Christmas Decor?
The style takes its name from the classic holiday look the fashion brand is known for. Crafts LC isn’t affiliated with Ralph Lauren; this is simply a guide to recreating the aesthetic with DIY and budget pieces. The key ingredients:
- Colors: deep red, hunter green, cream and gold or brass.
- Patterns: red and green tartan plaid, plus a little buffalo check or houndstooth.
- Textures: velvet, wool, leather, brass and lots of real or realistic greenery.
- Details: equestrian and hunting touches, antique books, nutcrackers and vintage-style ornaments.
- Mood: warm, layered and traditional, like a country house or ski lodge.
Ralph Lauren Inspired Christmas Tree
A Ralph Lauren inspired Christmas tree is full, green and layered with plaid, red and gold.
1. Tartan Ribbon Bows
Tie 15 to 20 bows from wired red and green tartan ribbon and wire them evenly around the tree. Let a few long ribbon tails cascade down from the top. Bows fill gaps and instantly set the style.
2. Red and Gold Glass Ornaments
Stick to red and gold ornaments in matte, shiny and glitter finishes. Place larger ones deep inside the branches and smaller ones near the tips. A limited palette makes a budget tree look expensive.
3. Wicker Basket Tree Collar
Set the tree stand inside a large wicker basket or wrap the base with a plaid blanket instead of a tree skirt. It looks traditional and hides the stand. Thrift stores often have big baskets.
4. Nutcracker and Toy Soldier Ornaments
Mix small wooden nutcracker or toy soldier ornaments into the tree. They add classic charm and color. Look for them at dollar stores and after-Christmas sales.
5. Pinecone and Red Berry Picks
Tuck pinecones and red berry picks into the branches for a natural, lodge-style look. Wire them securely so they don’t drop. They fill the tree inexpensively.
6. Brass Bell Ornaments
Hang small brass or gold jingle bells on plaid ribbon loops around the tree. They catch the light beautifully. A few big bells near the top add a vintage feel.
Traditional Christmas Decor Ideas for the Living Room
These traditional Christmas decor ideas bring the cozy lodge feeling to your living room.
7. Plaid Throws and Pillows
Drape a red and green tartan throw over the sofa and add a couple of plaid or velvet pillow covers. Pillow covers are cheaper than new pillows and easy to store. It’s the quickest way to change the room.
8. Brass Candlestick Mantel
Layer a full evergreen garland on the mantel and line it with mismatched brass candlesticks and cream taper candles. Thrift stores often have brass candlesticks. Keep real candles away from dry greenery, or use flameless tapers.
9. Framed Equestrian Prints With Wreaths
Hang a small boxwood or evergreen wreath with a red ribbon over framed vintage horse or hunting prints. Free public domain prints can be printed and framed cheaply. It’s a signature detail of the look.
10. Leather Books and Greenery
Stack old leather-bound or cloth books on a side table or shelf and top them with a sprig of greenery and a small brass bell. Use books you already own. It adds that library-like warmth.
11. Tartan Stockings
Hang red tartan or plaid stockings with faux fur cuffs from the mantel. Add a leather or wooden name tag to each. Matching stockings look polished and timeless.
📌 Save this for later: tap the Save button on the image to pin it to your Pinterest board.
Classic Christmas Porch Decor
Classic Christmas porch decor in this style is symmetrical, green and red, with warm brass accents.
12. Evergreen Garland With Red Bows
Frame the front door with a thick evergreen or magnolia garland and add big red velvet bows at the top corners. Add warm white lights. Faux garland can be reused for years.
13. Brass or Black Lanterns
Place a pair of lanterns on either side of the door with battery candles and greenery. Brass looks richest, but black lanterns with gold ribbon work too. Use timer candles for a glow every evening.
14. Boxwood Urns
Fill a pair of urns with faux or real boxwood balls and tie red tartan bows around the base. The symmetry is key to the classic look. Weigh down the urns so they don’t tip in wind.
15. Plaid Doormat Layer
Layer a coir doormat on top of a red and green or black and red plaid outdoor rug. It frames the doorway and ties in the tartan theme. Choose an outdoor-rated rug.
Elegant Christmas Table With a Classic Aesthetic
Finish with an elegant Christmas table that captures the classic aesthetic for holiday dinners.
16. Tartan Runner and White China
Lay a tartan table runner over a white or cream tablecloth and set the table with simple white plates. The contrast feels crisp and traditional. Add gold flatware if you have it.
17. Brass Taper Candles
Line the center of the table with brass candlesticks in varying heights and red or cream taper candles. Keep candles away from greenery and never leave them unattended. Flameless tapers are a safe alternative.
18. Red Berry and Greenery Centerpiece
Run a low line of evergreen sprigs, red berries and small pinecones down the table. Keep it low so guests can see each other. Fresh clippings from your yard keep the cost down.
19. Plaid Napkins With Greenery
Fold plaid cloth napkins on each plate and tuck in a small sprig of rosemary or pine tied with twine. It’s a small detail that makes the table feel special. Rosemary smells wonderful too.
Timeless Christmas Decorations to DIY
These timeless Christmas decorations are easy DIY details you’ll use every year.
20. How to Tie a Perfect Tartan Bow
Make two loops with wired ribbon, cross them, add a center wrap, and pinch tight with floral wire, then fluff the loops and cut the tails at an angle. Wired ribbon holds its shape for years. Practice a few and you’ll be tying them in seconds.
21. Plaid Fabric Ornaments
Wrap foam balls in strips of tartan or flannel fabric with Mod Podge or pins and finish with a gold cord loop. Old flannel shirts work great. They tie the tree to the rest of the room.
22. Gold-Sprayed Pinecones
Spray paint pinecones gold or brass outdoors and let them dry, then pile them in a bowl or tuck them into garlands. Bake foraged pinecones first to dry them out. They add warm metallic shine for very little.
Ralph Lauren Christmas Decor FAQ
What colors are Ralph Lauren Christmas decor?
Deep red, hunter green, cream and gold or brass, usually with plenty of red and green tartan plaid.
How do I get the Ralph Lauren Christmas look on a budget?
Use tartan ribbon bows, thrifted brass candlesticks, plaid throws and pillow covers, and real or faux greenery. A tight red, green and gold palette does most of the work.
What is a Ralph Lauren Christmas tree?
It’s a full green tree decorated with tartan bows, red and gold ornaments, pinecones and berries, often with a wicker basket or plaid blanket at the base.
Is this style the same as traditional Christmas decor?
It’s a version of traditional Christmas decor with a country house twist: more plaid, leather, brass and equestrian details.
More ideas: our Christmas porch decor, dough bowl centerpieces with a tartan look, and all Christmas crafts and decor.
More Ideas You’ll Love
-
Nightmare Before Christmas Decor: 20 DIY Ideas
-
DIY Christmas Decor: 28 Ideas on a Budget
-
DIY Christmas Garland: 21 Ideas for Mantels & Staircases
-
Christmas Mantel Decor: 22 Ideas to Copy This Year
-
Christmas Centerpieces: 24 Easy DIY Ideas for Your Table
-
DIY Christmas Wreaths: 20 Easy Ideas for Your Front Door
Want more? Browse all Christmas Crafts & Decor ideas →
Photos are illustrative stock images from Pixabay. Prices are approximate and were checked at the time of writing.
