When it comes to holiday decor that radiates sophistication, few styles rival the charm of a Ralph Lauren Christmas tree.
Inspired by the iconic brand’s blend of classic American heritage, equestrian elegance, and cozy luxury, this Christmas tree aesthetic turns your home into a winter wonderland of timeless beauty.
Whether you love traditional red and green or lean toward plaid, velvet, and gold accents, a Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas tree brings refined style to your festive season.
The Essence of a Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree
A Ralph Lauren Christmas tree embodies a mix of classic tradition and understated luxury. Think of rich textures, warm colors, and details that speak of craftsmanship and comfort. It’s not about overloading your tree with ornaments—it’s about curating each piece with intention. From tartan ribbons to antique gold baubles and rustic pinecones, every element works together to create a look that feels both grand and welcoming.
Start with a Rich and Warm Color Palette
The signature Ralph Lauren palette is deep, rich, and luxurious. Begin your Christmas tree design with shades of red, forest green, gold, and navy blue. These tones instantly evoke a feeling of cozy refinement. Metallic accents—especially gold and bronze—add a touch of glamour without feeling flashy. For a softer take, you can blend in creamy ivory or champagne ornaments to balance the richness of darker tones.
Choose the Perfect Tree as Your Canvas
The centerpiece of your holiday decor deserves special attention. A lush, full evergreen tree—whether real or artificial—sets the foundation for this elegant style. Opt for a pre-lit tree with warm white lights to create a soft, inviting glow reminiscent of candlelight. If you prefer a natural tree, make sure the branches are dense enough to hold layered decorations and ribbon cascades beautifully.
Incorporate Signature Ralph Lauren Patterns
No Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas look is complete without tartan or plaid. Add classic red-and-green plaid ribbons, or mix patterns like blackwatch or houndstooth for a touch of British elegance. You can weave these ribbons throughout your tree, tie them into large bows, or use them as tree garlands. The mix of texture and pattern immediately gives your decor a high-end designer finish while staying true to holiday tradition.
Add Luxurious Textures for Depth
Ralph Lauren design is known for its rich layers of texture and fabric. Bring that same feeling to your Christmas tree by adding ornaments made from velvet, crystal, leather, and wood. Velvet bows add softness, leather ornaments bring warmth, and crystal baubles add sparkle and refinement. Combining these elements makes your tree look inviting, cozy, and sophisticated—just like a Ralph Lauren living room.
Opt for Timeless Ornaments Over Trendy Pieces
To achieve that timeless Ralph Lauren look, avoid overly trendy ornaments or flashy neon colors. Instead, invest in classic shapes like glass balls, icicles, snowflakes, and horse-themed accents. Equestrian touches—such as mini saddles, stirrups, or riding boots—tie directly into the Ralph Lauren lifestyle aesthetic. The goal is to create a tree that looks elegant this year and every year after.
Layer Metallics for an Upscale Glow
Metallics are a key part of the Ralph Lauren holiday look. Use antique gold, aged silver, and bronze ornaments to bring subtle shine and richness to your tree. Mixing metallics adds visual interest and prevents the design from feeling flat. These tones pair beautifully with plaid ribbons and deep green branches, creating a luxurious yet harmonious finish.
Illuminate with Warm, Ambient Lighting
Lighting can make or break your Christmas tree decor. For a Ralph Lauren-inspired tree, stick to warm white lights rather than cool-toned ones. The warm glow mimics the cozy atmosphere of a rustic lodge or elegant countryside home. You can also mix mini string lights and larger vintage-style bulbs to give your tree depth and variation in light intensity.
Use Classic Tree Toppers for a Refined Look
Instead of glittery stars or oversized modern toppers, choose a classic and understated option. A gold star, plaid bow, or elegant angel perfectly fits the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. The key is subtlety—your topper should enhance the overall elegance rather than dominate it. If you want a creative twist, wrap the top with flowing tartan ribbon to echo the patterns below.
Add a Statement Tree Skirt
The tree skirt plays a bigger role than many realize. For a Ralph Lauren-style setup, opt for a plaid or velvet skirt in rich hues like burgundy, navy, or deep green. This not only hides the tree stand but also completes the cohesive look from top to bottom. Some decorators even layer faux fur rugs beneath the skirt to enhance the warm, luxurious lodge feel.
Complement with Matching Surround Decor
Your Christmas tree shouldn’t stand alone—extend the theme throughout your living space. Add plaid throw blankets, velvet pillows, and candles in antique brass holders to tie everything together. Hang wreaths with pinecones and tartan bows, or display a mantel with gold candle stands and evergreen garlands. These details ensure the entire room captures that Ralph Lauren holiday ambiance.
Incorporate Natural Elements for Balance
While Ralph Lauren decor leans luxurious, it’s always grounded by nature. Add pinecones, berries, branches, and even feathers to your tree to soften the glitz and create harmony between rustic and refined. The contrast of organic textures with polished ornaments is what gives this look its timeless appeal.
Create Visual Balance and Symmetry
A Ralph Lauren Christmas tree is all about balance and proportion. Start decorating from the inside out—placing larger ornaments deeper into the branches to create depth, and smaller ones toward the edges for a layered look. Ensure colors are evenly distributed so the tree feels harmonious and well-curated. This deliberate styling approach ensures every angle of your tree looks picture-perfect.
Enhance the Scent Experience
Ralph Lauren interiors engage all senses, not just sight. Enhance the experience by using pine or cedar-scented candles or hanging scented ornaments that give your tree a natural forest aroma. The subtle fragrance of evergreens will complement the luxurious visual elements, making your home feel like a holiday retreat in the countryside.
Make It Personal and Meaningful
Even though the Ralph Lauren style is sophisticated, it should still feel personal. Mix in heirloom ornaments, framed mini photos, or travel souvenirs that tell your family’s story. The blend of luxury and sentiment is what makes the decor truly special and reflective of your personality.
Keep It Cohesive Year After Year
One of the best parts of the Ralph Lauren Christmas tree style is its timelessness. Unlike trendy designs that change every year, this look stays elegant no matter the decade. You can refresh the design slightly—perhaps by swapping ribbon colors or adding new metallic accents—but the core aesthetic will always remain stylish and relevant.
Final Thoughts
A Ralph Lauren Christmas tree isn’t just about decorating—it’s about capturing the spirit of classic luxury and warmth. By blending rich colors, elegant textures, plaid patterns, and timeless ornaments, you create a festive centerpiece that reflects both sophistication and comfort.
Whether you live in a cozy cottage or a modern home, this design brings the perfect mix of heritage charm and contemporary elegance to your holiday season. With a little planning and creativity, your Christmas tree can look like it stepped straight out of a Ralph Lauren holiday catalog—refined, radiant, and unforgettable.
