A Ralph Lauren-Inspired Christmas on a Budget (My Warmer Version)

A Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas look is rich and traditional: deep green and burgundy, velvet ribbon, brass, plaid and plenty of greenery. My version is a little warmer and more neutral, and you can get it for less with velvet ribbon, brass bells and candlesticks, a toile tablecloth and real-looking cedar. Here's how I'd pull it together. Ralph Lauren is only my style reference here, and I'm not affiliated with the brand.

Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas decor starts with deep green and burgundy

I keep the palette to deep green and burgundy and let velvet carry it. Our 2024 tree was burgundy and champagne gold, and burgundy velvet ribbon is the quickest way to bring that color in. My steps are in how I put ribbon on a Christmas tree, and my green and cream bedroom is in my Christmas bedroom post.

Homeford burgundy velvet ribbon

Burgundy is the shade I'd start with. It works as a tree bow, on a wreath or tucked into a garland swag.

MAYREEL green crushed velvet ribbon

Green velvet is the other half. I'd tie it into bows or weave it through cedar.

Quince cotton velvet stocking in spruce

For velvet you can hang, Quince makes a cotton velvet stocking in spruce, a deep green. It's a fresh find I haven't styled yet, and the color fits this palette.

Brass and bells

Brass is the warm part of this look. I like it small and a little worn: candlesticks on the mantel and bells tucked into greenery.

Antique brass trumpet taper holders

Aged brass looks collected in a way shiny gold doesn't. I'd put these trumpet holders on a mantel or console with cream tapers and a little greenery tucked around the bases.

Bungalow Rose Kaskaskia bell set

On my kitchen barstools, cedar swags with black velvet ribbon and little brass bells look subtle and timeless. These brass bells from Wayfair get you the same touch, and I'd tie them into a swag, a mantel or a doorknob.

A traditional table

Toile is one of the easiest ways to make a table feel traditional, and it works with the brass and greenery above.

Target cotton toile floral tablecloth

The tablecloth does the work. Add greenery and candles and the table already looks traditional.

Plaid and classic touches

Plaid is easy to overdo, so I'd keep it small and let one or two classic pieces carry the room.

Walmart nutcracker print framed Christmas wall art

A framed nutcracker print on a dark plaid mat brings in the traditional and the plaid in one piece.

Target faux fur Christmas stocking in brown

Brown faux fur from Target keeps a traditional mantel warm and a little less sweet.

Lots of greenery

Greenery is what makes the look feel real. For stairs and mantels, see my faux garland comparison, how I hang garland on a staircase and my mantel garland steps.

Darby Creek draping real touch Lebanon cedar garland

Cedar is the greenery I'd add first. This real touch cedar garland from Darby Creek drapes across a mantel or down the stairs.

Frequently asked questions

What colors are a Ralph Lauren-style Christmas?

Hunter green, burgundy or red, navy, cream, brass and tartan. I'd soften it with cream and wood so it feels warm.

How do I make traditional Christmas decor feel less busy?

I'd start with one warm neutral base, then repeat two or three colors, like green, burgundy and brass, and stop there. Greenery and ribbon repeating through the room ties it together.

For more of the look, see my Christmas decor trends, high-end Christmas decor for less, my old money Christmas look for less and Wayfair, Quince, Amazon and Walmart. Shop whole rooms on Shop the Look, or browse the Shop.