Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree: Luxe Holiday Decor Guide
When the holiday season arrives, the idea of a Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree brings more than just greenery and lights—it evokes a timeless, refined aesthetic that blends heritage, luxury, and cozy tradition. Inspired by Ralph Lauren’s signature style—think rich tartan plaids, deep greens and burgundies, burnished brass accents and layered textures—this tree isn’t just décor; it’s a centerpiece of curated ambiance. Whether you’re decorating a family living room or a stylish apartment, this post will guide you through creating a tree that embodies the Ralph Lauren look: elegant, approachable, and full of character.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to style your tree in the Ralph Lauren way, why it’s worth the investment, key things to consider before choosing your tree, a comparison table to clarify options, and top product picks to get you started quickly.
List of Best Ways to Style a Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree
Signature Tartan Ribbon & Plaid Accents
One of the hallmark features of a Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree is the use of tartan or plaid ribbons and accents. These ribbons give the tree a sense of heritage and depth—choose richer plaids (deep red, forest green, black watch) rather than bright neon versions. Weaving large velvet ribbon bows, draping checkered garlands, or looping tartan ribbon inside the branches helps bring dimension. This styling trick instantly roots the décor in the “country club meets holiday elegance” feel.
To execute it: select a single plaid pattern for the tree (and avoid mixing multiple plaids in the same space) and complement it with solid, neutral ornaments so that the ribbon stands out. The result: a tree that feels both festive and refined—with a hint of Ralph Lauren’s classic Americana.
Warm White Lights & Natural Greenery Base
Unlike flashier, multi-colored holiday trees, a Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree uses warm white lights and natural or realistic greenery to maintain elegance. The lighting should feel soft, inviting, almost candle-lit, rather than stark or overly bright. Choose a lush evergreen (real or high-quality faux) with full branches to support heavier or textured ornaments.
Start by wrapping the lights deep into the tree branches (not just on the surface), using 2–3 strands for good depth. Then layer in textured ornaments—matte gold baubles, pinecone clusters, raw wood/ceramic accents, and metallic touches. The overarching effect? A tree that radiates warmth, richness, and timelessness rather than trendiness.
Burnished Brass, Velvet Textures & Heritage Motifs
In the Ralph Lauren tree aesthetic, materials and textures are key. Burnished brass ornaments, antique-style metallics, velvet bows or ribbon, wool blanket tree skirts, and touches of leather or wood nod to the brand’s heritage lifestyle. Equestrian or hunting motifs (think small brass horse bits, leather straps, antler-like decorative touches) add character without becoming kitsch.
This style thrives on layering: a velvet ribbon over plaid, a brass ornament next to a matte wood one, a pine branch peeking through textured baubles. The visual interaction of textures is what makes the tree feel curated and “collected over time” rather than thrown together. The end result: a tree that feels purposeful, elevated, and comfortable.
Muted Color Palette with Pops of Jewel Tones
A Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree doesn’t rely on bright pastels or candy-colored décor. Instead, the palette is rooted in deep hues: forest green, burgundy, navy, gold, cream, and warm wood tones. For a bit of modern flair, you might add small pops of jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, cranberry) but keep the majority of the tree grounded in warm neutrals and rich, saturated colours.
This approach ensures the tree complements a broader décor scheme (rich wood furniture, leather seats, dark floors) and doesn’t feel jarringly seasonal. It also allows your tree to remain stylish year after year rather than scream “this season only”.
High-Quality Ornaments & Heirloom Feel
The final touch in creating a Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree is choosing ornaments that feel like heirlooms rather than mass-market pieces. Consider metal or glass decorations with depth, vintage-inspired shapes, classic designs, and a few unique pieces that hold personal meaning. It’s less about buying all new décor and more about curating and layering meaningful pieces over time.
Mix in a few special ornaments: a vintage brass horse, a wool-wrapped bauble, a leather-strap tassel, and perhaps a Polo Bear motif, if you wish, nodding to the brand. These touches elevate the tree from “holiday décor” to “style statement”. The goal: a tree that tells a story, evokes warmth, and invites guests to linger.
Why a Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree Is Worth the Investment
A Christmas tree styled in the Ralph Lauren aesthetic offers more than seasonal décor—it becomes a key piece of your home’s holiday ambiance. First, because it uses high-quality materials and a timeless palette, the tree and its ornaments can be reused season after season, reducing long-term spending. When you invest in high-quality velvet ribbons, brass ornaments, a sturdy tree base, or faux greenery, you’re building décor that endures.
Second, this style elevates your entire space. A well-styled tree becomes a focal point, tying together surrounding décor—throw blankets, pillows, mantle garlands, and lighting. The rich textures and heritage motifs create a sense of depth and sophistication, which means your home doesn’t feel like it’s simply decorated for one holiday—it feels lived in and curated.
Finally, the emotional impact is significant. A tree that feels purposeful and refined invites family and guests to relax and linger—rather than feeling like you dashed up decorations. The warmth, the lighting, the textures—all combine to make holiday moments feel memorable. In short: a Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree isn’t about flash—it’s about meaningful beauty.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree
Before you start decorating, there are several important factors to consider to ensure your tree achieves the look you want. First, carefully choose the tree itself (real or artificial). If you select a faux tree, go for one with rich foliage, varied branch lengths, realistic colour, and a sturdy base. If you choose real, consider size, maintenance, and whether the branch fullness will support heavier ornaments. The tree’s foundation sets the tone for everything else.
Second, consider your space and lighting. The Ralph Lauren aesthetic favours warm rather than stark lighting, so if you have overhead fluorescent lights or a very bright environment, you may need to adjust with lamps, candles, or dimmers. Also, consider the colour palette of the room—if your walls and furniture are very light or minimalist, you may need richer accent pieces (such as velvet ribbons or dark ornaments) to anchor the look.
Third, consider the weight, balance, and layering of ornaments. Heavy brass or glass ornaments require strong branch support. Ensure that you distribute heavy items evenly and leave sufficient space so that the tree doesn’t look cluttered. A good guideline is to start with lights, then ribbon, then large ornaments, then medium ornaments, and finally small textured fillers (pinecones, berries, sprigs). The right layering gives depth and refinement.
Lastly, budget and sustainability. The Ralph Lauren look may imply luxury, but you don’t have to spend a fortune. You can blend a few high-quality statement pieces (velvet ribbon, brass ornaments) with more affordable fill-ins. Also, consider storage and re-use: invest in boxes or organizers so your tree décor stays pristine year after year.
Comparison Table for Tree Style Options
| Tree type | Entry level faux tree (~6-7 ft) | High end faux or real tree with full foliage | Branch fullness, realism, base stability |
| Lighting | Basic cool white LED lights | Warm white string lights + subtle ambient | Light warmth sets the mood |
| Ribbon/Trim | Simple metallic ribbon | Tartans, velvet bows, layered ribbons | Material and pattern quality matter |
| Ornaments | Lightweight plastic balls | Mixed metal/glass, heirloom style, variety | Balance weight, texture, story |
| Color palette | Traditional bright red & green | Deep burgundy, forest green, gold, cream | Avoid overly bright or trendy colours |
Recommended Products for a Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree
Here are curated product picks that help you build the look, each with a “Buy Now on Amazon” link for convenience:
Velvet Tartan Ribbon – Deep Burgundy & Forest Green
Luxe velvet plaid ribbon that immediately upgrades the feel of your tree. The deep burgundy and forest green palette perfectly suits the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. Built with wired edges, it holds shape beautifully whether you’re making bows or cascading loops.
Wired Edge Tartan Plaid Ribbon – 10 Yards
Wired Edge Tartan Plaid Ribbon – 10 Yards: An excellent complement or alternate to the velvet version. This plaid ribbon features rich colour combinations with a wired edge, allowing you to layer through branches and tie elegant bows. A simpler finish, but still highly effective for styling.
6 Ft Pre‑Lit Artificial Christmas Tree with Warm White Lights
6 Ft Pre‑Lit Artificial Christmas Tree with Warm White Lights: The tree itself is foundational. Full branches and warm white lights provide the soft glow and depth needed for this style. With its full silhouette, this tree supports heavier ornaments and layered ribbons, maintaining a rich visual presence.
Crushed Velvet Tartan Ribbon Reversible – 10 Yards
Crushed Velvet Tartan Ribbon Reversible – 10 Yards: Another ribbon option that offers versatility with one side in crushed velvet and the reverse in plaid. Works especially well when you want to mix textures while staying within the heritage palette—great for a richer, layered design.
Velvet Tartan Ribbon – Wired Luxury Version
Velvet Tartan Ribbon – Wired Luxury Version: A premium version for those who want to go all out. Wider width, deeper colours, and premium detailing. If the budget allows, this ribbon becomes a standout feature of the tree, adding a high-end finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree
What makes a Christmas tree look ‘Ralph Lauren style’?
The distinguishing feature of a Ralph Lauren-style Christmas tree is its blend of layers, textures, and heritage details. Rather than a flashy or overly trendy approach, it uses classic materials—velvet, wool, brass, tartan—which lend the tree a sense of longevity and tradition. The palette favours deep, sophisticated hues (forest green, burgundy, navy, gold) and warm, soft lighting rather than bright white or multi-colour LEDs.
Beyond materials and colour, the styling is also important: ribbon should be generously layered, ornaments should feel like collected pieces rather than all new, and the whole look should evoke an old-world lodge or country estate rather than a flashy retail display. The goal is ambiance—rich, warm and inviting.
Can I achieve the Ralph Lauren look without spending a fortune?
Absolutely. While the look has a luxury feel, you don’t need designer-priced items to pull it off. The key is choosing a few standout pieces (e.g., a quality velvet plaid ribbon, a few brass or glass ornaments with depth, a good set of warm white lights) and then mixing in more affordable elements—simple ornaments, DIY natural fillers like pinecones or wood branches, and reusing existing décor.
Another tip: stick to the palette and textures more than brand names. If your tree uses warm lighting, tartan ribbon, rich textures, and a well-balanced mix of metallics, your space will feel elevated. Combine that with thoughtful placement and layering rather than just buying “fancier” items. The end result: a home that looks intentional, not expensive.
What decorations should I avoid to maintain a consistent look?
To maintain the Ralph Lauren aesthetic, avoid decorations that feel overly trendy or brightly coloured. That means skip loud neon colours, overly plastic-looking ornaments, multicolour string lights, and decor that shouts “this year only.” Also, avoid mixed plaids—stick to one consistent tartan pattern per space. Some designers of the aesthetic caution against flashy slogans or signage (for example, large “Merry Christmas” signs) as they can feel out of place in this refined look. The goal is timeless, not trendy.
Should I use a real tree or a faux tree for this style?
Both can work, and the best choice depends on your lifestyle and space. A real tree has natural fragrance and variation in branch shape, which contributes to the heritage feel. However, a high-quality faux tree with dense, realistic foliage and rich color works just as well—especially if you want it to be reusable year after year. If you opt for faux, invest in one with rich branch variation and color depth rather than a flat, uniform look. Either way, the décor layering and quality of elements are what make the style succeed.
Conclusion
When it comes to dressing for winter, or more specifically, decorating your home for the holidays, a Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree proves that functionality and fashion can coexist beautifully. With the right layering strategy, quality fabrics, and a mix of timeless and trendy outerwear, you can face even the coldest days with confidence. But in the context of home décor, it means you can turn your tree from a seasonal afterthought into a true design statement.
Investing in a few key pieces—such as a well-tailored wool coat for you and a well-fluffed, full tree with designer ribbon for your space—ensures versatility across the entire season. Whether you’re heading to work, meeting friends, or exploring snowy streets, the same principle applies: comfort, confidence, and style.
Your holiday décor isn’t just about surviving the season—it’s about embracing it in style. Choose pieces that express your personality, care for them well, and enjoy a season filled with comfort, warmth, and undeniable sophistication. Here’s to your elegant, heritage-inspired tree that will bring joy and style for many winters to come.
