A Ralph Lauren Christmas

Summary: A blog about the decor elements of what makes up a Ralph Lauren Christmas and why we need it now. How the various design trends can layer together to create a beautiful look that is both nostalgic and new.

A Design for The Ages: A Christmas Classic

If you are reading this then chances are you've heard of the latest "trend" for this Christmas and you are ready to learn more. The Ralph Lauren Christmas is the look that seems to be taking the internet by storm. Many of you may have stumbled across my blog by accident, or some have come here on purpose, a few are here out of curiosity, and a couple of you are my friends and are just wanting to see what I'm writing about (thanks you guys); but whatever your reason, thank you for being here and I hope you enjoy this fun blog about this festive topic. We are going to be breaking down why this look is fast taking over, what creates this look, and how can you put it together in your own home. Time to jump in.

Why This Classic Christmas Look Now? Ralph Lauren When We Need Him Most

The why behind this is twofold. Let's look at the first reason. The first reason for why this is really hitting home right now is because there is a lot of uncertainty in our country and Ralph Lauren is an American Icon. He is blue jeans and classic plaid. He is horses and hunting lodges. He is stability and tradition. A feeling of warmth and solidness. This idea feels really good right now. The feeling that something is unshakeable and solid. His brand has always been what it has always been; and people like that. It is dependable. So, right now at a time when there is just a lot of instability it feels good to look for something that you can rely on.

The second reason is traditional design has been coming back. We were in a period of minimal aesthetic where there was a lot of sameness. The look was a lot of white or gray and somewhat sparse. I think people were enjoying a clean look after years of over design from the 80's/90's/ early 2000's and so neutral was in. There was a good run of the tone on tone of cream and white (the beautiful early designs of Shea McGee), but recently (over the past couple of years) there has been a movement toward color, story telling, warmth, layering, collecting, and with that brought the lean back toward traditionalism. People are dusting off things they've brought back from travels, bringing out family pictures, and wanting to find their old family heirlooms. So, of course who better to represent the Christmas holiday this year than the classic, most traditional vibe we can think of in our country than Ralph Lauren? No one. It had to be him.

All The Feels - What Makes it Feel Like a Ralph Lauren Christmas

Candles glowing, the scent of pine, snow gently falling outside the window, Bing Crosby playing, a fire crackling, a worn leather arm chair, a warm plaid blanket

. . . can you see it? It's kind of magical, isn't it? The rooms are warm and cozy with hints of being a little fussy. They feel a little bit formal, but in a good worn in pair of jeans and fancy dress shoes way. The lighting feels warm and not overly bright. The room is just the perfect mix of decor that it could be used for a cocktail party, a family movie night or just curling up with a good book and enjoying the quiet. The crystal punch bowl sits unassuming on the sideboard as a perfect compliment to the brass candlesticks. Boughs of greenery with deep red velvet bows adorn most surfaces. It's all those classic details that feel just right, not over the top, but maybe just a little. It's that feeling that people want of nostalgia and warmth; like being wrapped in a hug. It's the what we need right now, that we don't know that we need. And I hope that we all get it.

Breaking Down The Classic Ralph Lauren Look for Christmas

Of course we all know the classic pair of blue jean, maybe the jean shirt, a great blazer, or that iconic sweater with the American flag on it, but how in the world does that translate to a holiday decorating scheme? I'm glad you asked (you did right?).

• First we start with plaid; lots of plaid, really any of the plaid. Beautiful tartan plaid, buffalo plaid, black watch tartan; any of the classics will do. The key here though is to not mix them. Keep them consistent. You can change the plaid in different rooms, but not within the same room. This could be added as throw pillows, throw blankets, framed artwork, dinnerware, table cloths, table runners, or tree ornamentation. If you choose buffalo, I'd be careful with this one because it can tend to lean too farmhouse or cabin.

• Next, candles! Lots of glowing surfaces. Candles create a beautiful glowing ambiance and that is essential for this feeling. Brass candlesticks would be the best, but a lovely silver will also be a wonderful touch for the classic feeling as well.

• Gift wrapping - plaid wrapping would be ideal and all matching with a lovely velvet bow. To add a little differentiation, you could add in a plain red, green or kraft paper. Skip the gift bags (according to Molly Moorkamp, a 2nd generation Ralph Lauren employee).

• Greenery - fresh would be ideal, because the scent is so nice, but not always available depending on where you live. Try to get as real looking as you can and keep the look of it simple with skinny velvet ribbon bows tied in. Elegant, simple, and lovely. Along the fireplace, staircase railing, doorways, table surfaces, and window tops.

• The colors - the colors tend to be the traditional hues of deep burgundy, forest green, and gold. Often times you can find navy and silver mixed in. Sometimes the brighter tones of red and green are used.

• Dinnerware - classic white dinnerware is often the preferred way to serve guests, along with cut crystal drinking glasses if available (these can often be thrifted). Definitely try to go for cloth napkins - it gives a beautiful finishing touch to your table setting (again these can be thrifted or ordered fairly inexpensive on Amazon if budget is top of mind).

  

  

  

  

Wrapping Up Our Ralph Lauren Christmas

From the crackling fire, to the beautifully set table, we've unwrapped and wrapped back up again why this American Icon has come front and center this holiday season. It's the feeling we need now, the tradition we've slowly been craving, and a classic charm that never goes out of style. Will this look be on your wish list this Christmas? Are you ready for a good old fashioned Ralph Lauren Christmas? It just might be the very thing you need.

FAQ's

1. How long will this look be popular for?

   1. While it's hard to know how long a "trend" will stick around for, especially one focused on holiday decor; this style is classic and timeless and might not always be "in fashion", but it is always beautiful.

2. Can this look be done on a budget? I hate to spend a lot on holiday decor, but I'd like to do this.

   1. I do think this can be done on a budget. While starting a complete style over will be expensive regardless of how thrifty you are, I think you can scour the thrift stores for crystal glasses, cloth napkins, table cloths, and some of the other items. Amazon also is a great source for candles in bulk, the cloth napkins, inexpensive throw pillows and throw blankets. TJMaxx, HomeGoods, HomeSense are also great sources for deals on lower priced pillows, candles, candlesticks, tablecloths, etc. And watch your craft stores for sales on the greenery and ribbon.

3. I already have so much other Christmas decor, but want to do this too, what do I do with my other stuff?

   1. That's entirely up to you with how much of your stuff you want to keep or get rid of and replace. If you are willing to get rid of your old style because you are tired of it, it might be nice to donate it to a church, family that needs it, young family just starting out, younger adults just moving out for the first time, homeless shelter, etc. Ask around on FB, I'm sure there are many who would love to have "brand new" to them decor. If you are wanting to keep your other decor, but want to just incorporate this in somehow, I'd suggest doing maybe your living room or dining room in this style. Doing one full room would be best and not trying to weave it in with your other style, so that it looks the best and most comprehensive.

Author Bio:

Heather West is the founder of Designs by Heather, a Saint Johns / Jacksonville area / and virtual residential interior designer that helps busy, established homeowners achieve stunning, personalized, one room to full home transformations.

Known for her authenticity, creativity and integrity, Heather brings 20 years of experience, winning Best of Florida, and a degree in Interior Design to each project. Whether she’s providing her Curated Home Package, or Room by Room Package, her work reflects her passion, and desire to give her clients the best design she can.

Heather and her work have been featured in Best of Florida 2025, Voyage Jacksonville, Rentblog, and Redfin. When she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time with family, reading or traveling (she loves to explore amazing hotel lobbies).

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