The Story Behind the Trend: Why Ralph Lauren Christmas Is Everywhere Right Now

This holiday season, a warm, heritage-rich decorating trend has taken over TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest: the so-called Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic. But what exactly is it, and why is it resonating so deeply in 2025?

Nostalgia Meets Quiet Luxury

Rooted in Ralph Lauren’s signature style, this trend leans into a vision of “old-money” Americana meets British country charm. Designers and home-lovers alike point to deep tartans, rich velvets, gleaming brass, and leather as key motifs.  As one designer put it: “It’s more than just a color scheme … it’s a feeling — cozy, elegant, and deeply nostalgic.”

A Rebellion Against Minimalism

After years of “quiet luxury” and tone-on-tone minimal holiday décor, many people are craving something with more character. The Ralph Lauren Christmas look is a clear departure from subdued neutrals. Instead, it embraces richness in color, material, and texture.

Heritage & Intentionality

This isn’t just about buying new flashy decor. The heart of the trend lies in layering meaningful, heirloom-quality pieces: vintage ornaments, tartan blankets, leather-bound books, and heirloom-style figurines. Many creators emphasize sustainability and curation; building a look slowly over time, rather than chasing a trend.

Visuals That Tell a Story

The style evokes visions of a country estate or a New England lodge in winter. Think of roaring fireplaces, dark wood-paneled rooms, and luxury with restraint. It taps into a shared cultural memory (or fantasy) of a refined, yet warmly lived-in holiday.

The Design Language: What Makes a Ralph Lauren Christmas Tick

To really lean into this aesthetic, here are the key design building blocks:

Color Palette

Core shades: Forest green, deep burgundy/red, rich navy, dark mahogany, and burnished gold. These tones feel saturated, warm, and moody, not pastel or bright. 

Patterns

Tartan plaid is central. It’s the hero pattern. Mix in subtle supporting patterns, like herringbone or paisley, as long as they stay in the same rich, heritage color family. But avoid too many competing prints. Cohesion is key. 

Materials & Textures

• Velvet, wool, leather, and tweed are favorites. 
• Brass or aged metal accents like candlesticks, reindeer figurines, trays bring that vintage elegance. 
• Wood: Dark-stained furniture or paneling adds warmth and structure. 
• Natural greenery: Think dense, lush, classic garland (real or realistic artificial) like cedar or fir.
• Warm lighting: Soft candlelight, warm-toned fairy lights, or a crackling fire help sell the cozy sophistication. 

Accessories & Decor

• Vintage or heirloom ornaments: Glass, crystal, or tartan-themed ornaments add just the right touch. 
• Equestrian touches: Polo Bear figurines or anything horse-inspired feels right at home. 
• Ribbon and bows: Velvet or grosgrain, often in tartan, to tie together wreaths, garlands, and gifts. 
• Heirloom-style tableware: Crystal, brass, or classic china are formal, yet inviting.

Gift Wrapping

Use the same tartan paper or wrap for every present under the tree to maintain cohesion. Pair with coordinating ribbon (velvet or grosgrain) to elevate the look.

Keep It Curated

Avoid overly gimmicky or seasonal signage (“Merry Christmas!” banners can feel out of place). The idea is to make the space look collected, not staged, as if these pieces were gathered over years, not just bought for one season.

How to Bring It Home: Styling Tips & Ideas

Here are some practical ways to create the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic in your own space:

Start Small, Build Over Time

Begin with foundational pieces: a tartan throw, a velvet ribbon, or a brass candle holder. Over the years, layer in heirloom-style ornaments, vintage books, and leather-bound accessories so the style grows organically. This mirrors how the “real” Ralph Lauren lives. His aesthetic is never over-the-top, but deeply curated.

Focus on Your Key Rooms

• Living Room: Drape tartan over a leather sofa, use wool pillows, and place a brass tray with candles on a side table.
• Mantel or Fireplace: Adorn with dense greenery garland, velvet ribbon, and a few balanced ornaments or candlesticks.
• Dining Table: Lay a tartan table runner, use vintage crystal glasses, and wrap gifts or place settings in matching plaid.

Lighting Is Everything

• Use warm incandescent string lights, or better yet, real candles or LED candles with a flicker. Avoid cool-white LEDs.
• If you have a fireplace, make it a centerpiece. The glow and texture of wood really pull the look together.

Incorporate Personal Touches

• Add family heirlooms, old books, or vintage finds to the mix. This keeps the space personal and authentic.
• Don’t stress about perfection. The charm comes from a slightly lived-in feel, not something that looks straight off a showroom floor.

Mindful Shopping

• For budget-conscious decorators: thrift shops, antique stores, and vintage markets can be gold mines for tartan, brass, and heirloom pieces.
• Choose quality over quantity. A well-made tartan throw or velvet ribbon can elevate cheaper decor around it.

Product Inspiration (To Get the Look)

Here are a few pieces that capture the Ralph Lauren Christmas vibe (or that can help you lean into it):

• Ralph  Lauren Tartan Polo Bear Wool Throw Pillow Wool texture + iconic Polo Bear = instant heritage charm.
• Ralph  Lauren Martini Polo Bear Throw Pillow A tuxedoed bear, playful yet refined.
• Ralph  Lauren Noella Silk Plaid Throw Pillow  Silky plaid for elegance.
• Ralph  Lauren-inspired Christmas Woven Blanket Cozy, festive, and timeless.
• Ralph  Lauren Mistletoe Cedar 9‑Piece Table Linen Set Coordinated tablecloth and napkins in rich holiday fabric.
• Ralph  Lauren‑Style Green Plaid Polo Bear Christmas Pillow Adds classic plaid and charm to any sofa or chair.

Why This Aesthetic Feels So Right in 2025

• Emotional resonance: In uncertain times, people are craving more warmth, heritage, and things that feel “real” and lasting.
• Sustainability: Because the look emphasizes heirloom quality and thrifted pieces, it encourages less waste and more meaningful purchases. 
• Social media momentum: Platforms like TikTok and Pinterest have amplified it, but designers say it’s not just a viral flash; it’s tied to deeper lifestyle values. 
• A return to richness: After years of minimalism, there’s space again for color, texture, and the tactile joy of fabric, greenery, and craftsmanship.

Closing Thought

In the end, The Ralph Lauren Christmas look isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about making your space feel meaningful, warm, and timeless. It’s a reminder that holiday decorating can be more than a seasonal task; it can be a ritual of comfort, memory, and intention. When we layer rich textures, gather heirloom pieces, and create rooms that glow with warmth, we’re really crafting a backdrop for the moments that matter most — laughter around the table, quiet evenings by the fire, and the small traditions that make the holidays ours. This aesthetic invites us to slow down, savor what we love, and surround ourselves with beauty that feels deeply lived-in and deeply felt.