Alright, so you've fallen in love with the 'Ralph Lauren Christmas' aesthetic (who hasn't?), and now you're ready to actually DO something about it. Like, you want your home to look like it belongs in a holiday catalog, right? Well, you're in the right place because I'm about to walk you through exactly how to decorate every corner of your home in this gorgeous, timeless style.
And the best part? A lot of this stuff you can DIY yourself, which means you get that high-end look without the high-end price tag. Let's dive in!
Getting Your Color Scheme Right
Before you start hot-gluing anything or buying all the plaid ribbon at the craft store (though you'll definitely want to stock up!), you need to nail down your color scheme. This is the foundation that everything else builds on.
Your primary palette should include:
Hunter green as your dominant color – this is gonna be everywhere. Your tree ribbons, your wreaths, your throw pillows, maybe even some painted accents. It's rich, it's festive, and it doesn't scream "CHRISTMAS!" in that overwhelming way that bright red sometimes does.
Burgundy and navy as your complementary tones – these work together SO well. The burgundy adds warmth and that wine-colored elegance, while navy adds depth and keeps things from getting too matchy-matchy.
Cream and ivory for balance – you need these lighter tones to keep all those deep, rich colors from making your space feel like a cave. Plus, cream and ivory add that sophisticated, elegant touch that's so Ralph Lauren.
Now here's where it gets fun – mixing patterns:
You can totally combine different plaids as long as they share the same color family. A Black Watch tartan (that dark green and navy plaid) looks amazing next to a buffalo check in similar tones. The key is making sure they're in the same color story.
Don't be scared to layer different tartan patterns either. A Royal Stewart plaid (the red one) can work with a more subtle burgundy plaid if you balance them with solid colors in between.
Decorating Your Living Room & Main Spaces
This is where the magic happens, people. Your living room is probably where you'll spend most of your holiday time, so let's make it count.
Christmas Tree Styling (The Ralph Lauren Way)
Your tree is the centerpiece, so we're gonna do this right. Forget those color-coordinated ornament sets from the big box stores – we're going for something with more character and depth.
Start with plaid ribbon garlands – and I mean LOTS of ribbon. Get 2-3 coordinating plaid patterns in your color scheme. You'll want wide ribbon (like 2.5 to 4 inches) so it makes a statement. Weave it through your tree in a cascading pattern, letting it drape naturally. Don't pull it too tight – you want that relaxed, elegant look.
Add brass and gold ball ornaments in various sizes. Mix matte and shiny finishes for depth. These metallic elements catch the light beautifully and add that touch of sophistication without being too blingy.
Incorporate equestrian-themed ornaments – this is very Ralph Lauren. Little horse figurines, riding boots, saddles, even polo mallets if you can find them. These unique touches are what make your tree feel curated instead of generic.
Velvet ribbon bows scattered throughout add texture and richness. Make them yourself or buy pre-made ones in burgundy, hunter green, or navy.
Natural pinecone accents bring in that organic, country estate element. You can wire them directly onto branches or attach them to picks.
Mantel Decoration That Wows
Your mantel is prime real estate for holiday decorating, so don't waste it!
Start with fresh greenery garland – real is best if you can swing it, but high-quality faux works too. Drape it across your mantel, letting it hang naturally with some movement.
Weave plaid ribbon through the garland – use one of your main plaid patterns and let it peek through the greenery. Secure it with floral wire so it stays put.
Add brass candlesticks in varying heights. This creates visual interest and that warm, flickering candlelight is just chef's kiss for the holidays.
Hang tartan stockings from the mantel. If you've got a family, coordinate them but don't make them all identical – maybe different plaids in the same color family, or personalize them with brass letters.
Stack vintage books as risers – this is such a Ralph Lauren move. Use leather-bound books or old hardcovers to create different levels on your mantel. Top them with small brass figurines, candles, or greenery arrangements.
Equestrian figurines or brass animals add that sporting, country estate vibe. Little brass horses, dogs, or even deer work perfectly.
Coffee Table & Surface Styling
Don't neglect your horizontal surfaces – they're opportunities to carry your theme throughout the room!
Plaid table runners instantly transform any surface. Drape one down the center of your coffee table or dining table.
Brass trays are your best friend for corralling smaller items. Fill them with candles, small ornaments, or pinecones.
Bowls of ornaments in your coordinating colors make great filler décor. Use brass, wooden, or ceramic bowls and fill them with extra ornaments.
Stack vintage books with ribbon – tie them with plaid or velvet ribbon and use them as décor elements or coasters for candles.
DIY Photo Frame Ideas (Super Easy!)
Okay, this is where we get crafty, but I promise these are simple enough that even if you're not super crafty, you can totally do them.
Plaid-Wrapped Frames
Take plain wooden frames (you can get these cheap at craft stores or thrift shops) and cover them with tartan fabric. Here's how:
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Cut your plaid fabric slightly larger than your frame
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Wrap it around the frame like you're wrapping a present
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Secure the back with hot glue or fabric glue
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Add small brass corner accents (you can find these in the scrapbooking section)
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Display family holiday photos
The result looks SO much more expensive than it actually is!
Ribbon-Adorned Frames
This one's even easier:
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Take existing frames (any color works, but gold or wood tones are best)
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Attach grosgrain ribbon borders around the edges using hot glue
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Create small corner bows with plaid ribbon
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Layer multiple ribbon colors for depth
These look gorgeous grouped together on a wall or mantel.
Natural Element Frames
For a more rustic take:
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Start with wooden frames
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Hot glue small pinecones to the corners
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Add sprigs of faux evergreen along the sides
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Tie a plaid ribbon bow at the top
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Display winter or holiday photos
Plant Holders & Greenery Displays
Plants and greenery are HUGE in the 'Ralph Lauren Christmas' aesthetic. Here's how to display them with style:
Brass Planter Makeovers
Got boring terracotta pots? Transform them!
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Spray paint them with metallic gold or brass paint (do this outside or in a well-ventilated area)
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Let them dry completely
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Add plaid ribbon bands around the rim – secure with hot glue
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Fill with poinsettias, evergreen arrangements, or even your regular houseplants
Suddenly your $2 pot looks like it came from a fancy garden shop.
Tartan-Wrapped Containers
This works great for cylindrical vases or containers:
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Measure your container's circumference
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Cut plaid fabric to size (add a little overlap)
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Wrap it around and secure with fabric glue or double-sided tape
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Tie jute twine or leather cord around the middle for a rustic touch
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Fill with fresh evergreen branches, holly, or winter berries
Tiered Plant Displays
Create height and visual interest:
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Stack vintage books or wooden boxes as risers
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Top each level with small brass or gold containers
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Fill with different types of greenery – holly, ivy, evergreen, winter berries
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Vary the heights for a dynamic look
This works great on console tables, mantels, or even as a dining table centerpiece.
Handmade Holiday Wreaths (My Favorite Part!)
Wreaths are like the signature piece of 'Ralph Lauren Christmas', and making your own is actually really satisfying. Plus, you can customize them exactly how you want.
Classic Plaid Bow Wreath
This is the quintessential 'Ralph Lauren Christmas' wreath:
What you need:
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Fresh or faux evergreen wreath base (18-24 inches)
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Wide plaid ribbon (at least 4 inches wide) – Black Watch or Royal Stewart
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Brass jingle bells
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Pinecones
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Floral wire
How to make it:
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Start with your evergreen base – if it's fresh, make sure it's well-constructed and won't fall apart
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Create a large bow with your plaid ribbon (look up "how to make a florist bow" on YouTube if you need help – it's easier than it looks!)
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Wire the bow to the bottom or top of the wreath
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Wire pinecones throughout the wreath, clustering them in groups of 2-3
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Add brass jingle bells by wiring them to branches
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Hang with a plaid ribbon or brass wreath hanger
The key is making that bow BIG and beautiful – don't be shy with the ribbon!
Equestrian-Inspired Wreath
This one's got that country estate, sporting vibe:
What you need:
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Grapevine or evergreen wreath base
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Burgundy velvet ribbon (wide)
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Small brass horseshoes (you can find these at craft stores)
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Leather cord
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Pinecones and berries
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Hot glue gun and floral wire
How to make it:
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If using grapevine, you might want to add some faux evergreen picks for fullness
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Create a large velvet bow and wire it to the wreath
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Hot glue or wire small brass horseshoes around the wreath
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Wrap leather cord around sections of the wreath for texture
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Add pinecones and berry picks for natural elements
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Let some of the grapevine show through – it adds character
This wreath has SO much texture and interest – it's definitely a conversation starter!
Layered Ribbon Wreath
This one's perfect if you've got a bunch of different plaid ribbons you want to use:
What you need:
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Foam or straw wreath base
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3-4 coordinating plaid ribbons in different widths
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Straight pins
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Brass ornament cluster
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Hot glue
How to make it:
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Start with your widest ribbon and wrap it around the wreath at an angle, overlapping each wrap slightly
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Pin in place as you go
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Add your second ribbon, wrapping at a different angle
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Continue with remaining ribbons until the base is completely covered
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Create a cluster of brass ornaments and wire them together
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Attach the ornament cluster to the bottom of the wreath with hot glue or wire
The layered ribbons create this really rich, dimensional look that's super impressive.
Ornament Display Ideas (Beyond the Tree)
You don't have to limit ornaments to just your tree – they make great décor throughout your home!
Ornament-Filled Vessels
This is probably the easiest decorating trick ever:
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Get brass bowls, hurricane vases, or even vintage silver containers
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Fill them with coordinating ornaments in your color scheme
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Mix different sizes and finishes (matte, shiny, glittered)
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Place them on coffee tables, mantels, or console tables
For hurricane vases, you can layer plaid ribbon inside before adding ornaments for extra visual interest.
Hanging Ornament Clusters
This looks SO elegant over a dining table:
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Gather ornaments in varying sizes
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Attach them to plaid ribbons cut to different lengths
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Suspend them from your chandelier or a ceiling hook
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Stagger the heights for a cascading effect
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Mix brass, velvet-covered, and plaid ball ornaments
The movement when people walk by is really pretty!
Ornament Garland
Create a garland that's not your typical greenery:
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String ornaments on jute twine or thin wire
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Alternate ornaments with plaid ribbon bows
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Space them about 6-8 inches apart
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Drape over doorways, windows, or along a mantel
This adds that festive touch without being too heavy or traditional.
Additional Décor Elements That Complete the Look
Throw Pillows & Blankets
Textiles are HUGE in creating that cozy Ralph Lauren vibe:
Tartan plaid pillow covers – swap out your regular pillows for plaid ones in your color scheme. Mix different plaids on the same sofa – it works!
Cable knit throw blankets in cream – drape these over sofas, chairs, or the end of your bed. They add texture and that cozy factor.
Velvet pillows in burgundy or hunter green – these add richness and work beautifully with the plaids.
The key is layering different textures – smooth velvet, chunky cable knit, crisp plaid fabric all work together.
Table Settings
Even if you're not hosting a formal dinner, your everyday table can get the Ralph Lauren treatment:
Plaid placemats or a table runner set the foundation. You can make these yourself or find them at home stores.
Brass chargers under your regular plates instantly elevate the look. You can find affordable ones at discount home stores.
Hunter green napkins with brass rings – fold them nicely and place them on each plate. The brass rings catch the light beautifully.
Pinecone place card holders – hot glue a small place card holder to a pinecone, or just tuck cards into the pinecone scales. Super cute and very on-theme!
Staircase Decoration
If you've got stairs, don't ignore them!
Garland wrapped with plaid ribbon – drape fresh or faux evergreen garland along your banister and weave plaid ribbon through it.
Brass ornaments wired in – add ornaments at intervals along the garland for sparkle.
Velvet bows at intervals – tie large velvet bows to the banister posts or at regular intervals along the garland.
The staircase becomes this beautiful focal point that welcomes people into your home.
Pulling It All Together
The secret to nailing the 'Ralph Lauren Christmas' look is consistency and restraint. You want every room to feel connected through your color palette and style choices, but you don't want to go overboard in any one space.
Start with your main living areas and work your way through the house. Use your plaid ribbons, brass accents, and natural elements as the common threads that tie everything together.
And remember – this aesthetic is all about quality over quantity. It's better to have a few really beautiful, well-made pieces than a bunch of cheap decorations that don't quite hit the mark.
In the next post, we're gonna get even MORE hands-on with specific craft projects you can make yourself. We're talking wreaths, ornaments, paper trees, and all sorts of ribbon crafts that'll take your 'Ralph Lauren Christmas' to the next level. Trust me, you're gonna want to bookmark that one!
https://michelleadoorablecreations.com/blogs/news/ralph-lauren-inspired-christmas-crafts-projects
Disclaimer:
This article is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Ralph Lauren Corporation or any of its subsidiaries. The “Ralph Lauren Christmas” theme is discussed for informational and inspirational purposes only, as part of general commentary on holiday décor and design trends. All trademarks, brand names, and product names mentioned are the property of their respective owners. No trademark or copyright infringement is intended.
