Ralph Lauren’s design schemes are synonymous with classic elegance, effortless luxury, and a welcoming sense of Americana. Each holiday season, his brand evokes feelings of warmth through rich textures, layered patterns, and nostalgic color palettes that conjure visions of mountain lodges, equestrian clubs, and fashionable urban penthouses. For those who want to infuse their home with this understated grandeur—but avoid clichéd, overdone looks—here are 10 entirely fresh, never-used-before Christmas décor ideas grounded in the Ralph Lauren aesthetic.
Every concept below balances tradition with originality, borrowing the brand’s famous visual codes: plaid, leather, velvet, silver, navy blues, rustic wood, and equestrian touches. Each project is easy to DIY with accessible materials and offers a how-to section for practical guidance.
What You’ll Need: Essential Materials
Collect these basics for holiday decorating in RL style:
- Plush velvet and wool in rich colors (burgundy, navy, forest green, cream)
- Classic tartan or plaid fabrics, ribbons, or wrapping paper
- Dark leather offcuts, twine, metallic cord
- Antique-look silver trays, lanterns, or mercury glass
- Pinecones, sprigs of cedar, holly, and berries
- Wood slices or reclaimed planks
- Old brooches, belt buckles, or horse brass
- Small equestrian figurines, trophy cups, vintage books
- Ribbon, glue, scissors, needle & thread
- Candles, hurricane lanterns, and fairy lights
Match textures and colors to your chosen theme, and don’t be afraid to layer, mix, and match for depth.
1. “Savile Plaid” Layered Mantel Garland
Elevate your fireplace with a garland that blends RL’s iconic plaid and lush botanicals.
How to Make:
- Start with artificial pine garland as your base; wind a length of tartan ribbon through the greenery.
- Stitch or pin on clusters of cedar branches, berries, and pinecones.
- Add velvet bows at intervals and anchor silver baubles or old trophy cup ornaments.
- Hang leather straps with metallic buckles from the mantel edge.
Materials: Artificial garland, plaid ribbon, velvet bows, leather accents, silver décor.
Tip: Drape in layers for richness—no sparse spots.
2. “Equestrian Lodge” Entry Wreath
Welcome guests with a wreath worthy of an English hunting lodge.
How to Make:
- Wrap a foam wreath with wool fabric for a tailored base.
- Decorate with sprigs of holly, dark green ribbons, antique brass horse brasses, and jute twine bows.
- Hang a repurposed belt buckle or bit at the center as an equestrian accent.
Materials: Foam wreath, wool, horse brasses, holly, jute, buckles.
Design Note: Layer faux antlers or riding gloves for added club ambiance.
3. “Stately Club” Dining Table Runner
Dress your table with sporting flair, inspired by RL’s love for classic clubs.
How to Make:
- Cut a length of plaid or houndstooth fabric for your runner.
- Hem the edges and stitch on strips of contrasting velvet ribbon.
- Place silver cups filled with holly and berry stems along the runner.
- Add old cufflinks or brooches as centerpiece trinkets.
Materials: Plaid fabric, velvet ribbon, silver cups, brooches, holly.
Upgrade: Layer with navy linen napkins folded in RL fashion.
4. “Vintage Book & Pinecone Vignette”
Combine literary heritage with woodland textures for RL-style table accents.
How to Make:
- Stack vintage books in alternating directions on coffee tables or sideboards.
- Top each stack with pinecones dusted in gold paint and sprigs of cedar.
- Place a small hurricane lantern or candle nearby for warmth.
- Wrap a tartan ribbon bundle around the display.
Materials: Old books, pinecones, cedar, gold paint, lanterns, ribbon.
Pro Tip: Add equestrian figurines for extra sophistication.
5. “Manor House” Leather Gift Boxes
Transform simple gift packages into rich RL statements.
How to Make:
- Wrap boxes in plain navy or burgundy paper.
- Cut leather strips or use surplus belts as ribbon; secure with metallic cord.
- Top the gift with a coat-of-arms pin, silver badge, or Monogrammed RL tag.
- Attach a sprig of holly under the bow.
Materials: Boxes, leather, metallic cord, badges, holly.
Extra Touch: Use a wax seal for the ultimate club style.
6. “Uptown Velvet & Brass Candleholders”
Mix velvet and metal for dramatic, city-inspired centerpieces.
How to Make:
- Wrap basic glass or brass candleholder bases with strips of velvet and glue in place.
- Add metallic circus or equestrian pins at the joint.
- Group candleholders in threes on a silver tray; intersperse fairy lights and pine needles.
Materials: Candleholders, velvet, brass pins, silver tray, fairy lights.
Luxury: Use rich jewel tones—emerald, ruby, sapphire—for festive punch.
7. “Heritage Plaid Tree Skirt”
Frame your tree with a skirt inspired by RL’s classic tartan collections.
How to Make:
- Cut a large circle of tartan flannel for your tree base.
- Hem edges and stitch bands of velvet or wool felt to radiate from the center.
- Sew on dark leather patches as accent panels.
- Embroider or iron-on a family monogram at the skirt’s front.
Materials: Tartan fabric, velvet, wool felt, leather, embroidery thread.
Monogram: Use gold thread or applique for RL signature style.
8. “Polo Trophy Shelfie”
Turn your shelves into mini club displays.
How to Make:
- Arrange vintage trophies, riding boots, and silver trays along shelves.
- Layer tartan scarves or folded wool blankets at the base.
- Add stacks of RL-style bound books (navy, burgundy, forest green covers).
- Place mini Christmas baubles and berry sprigs beside each trophy.
Materials: Trophies, boots, trays, blankets, books, baubles.
Photo Op: Stage shelf displays as holiday “shelfies” for a touch of luxury.
9. “Rustic Birch Log Place Card Holders”
Personalize your table settings with woodland charm and club elegance.
How to Make:
- Slice birch logs into 3” cylinders; cut a slit at the top of each for a card.
- Paint log edges with metallic silver or gold.
- Insert name cards made from plaid paper or hand-calligraphed tags.
- Wrap with a velvet or leather strip and glue on a holly leaf.
Materials: Birch logs, metallic paint, velvet/leather, holly, cards.
Memorable: Great for dinners, dessert buffets, or holiday teas.
10. “Madison Avenue Mirror Mantel”
Reflect holiday lights and RL textures for a glamorous centerpiece.
How to Make:
- Place a vintage mirror on your mantel; run velvet ribbon along the frame.
- Drape pine garland and twinkle lights over the mirror’s edge.
- Hang silver riding trophies or ornaments behind the garland.
- Add stacked tartan boxes and oversized candlesticks for drama.
Materials: Mirror, velvet ribbon, pine garland, lights, ornaments.
Glam: Experiment with navy, cream, and silver for RL’s city-chic effect.
How to Assemble and Style RL Christmas Decor
- Layer textures, colors, and patterns—don’t be afraid to combine velvet with leather, wood, and silver.
- Use thrift finds, personal heirlooms, and accessible craft supplies to echo RL’s “collected over time” spirit.
- Keep the palette classic: deep blues, greens, reds, golds, and silvers add instant elegance.
- Mix equestrian details and vintage charm for a rich, story-filled atmosphere.
- Finish every room with natural foliage—cedar, holly, berries, and pinecones bring authenticity.
The most striking RL-inspired Christmas homes feel luxurious yet lived-in, with thoughtful details and personal touches that invite both coziness and celebration.
