Skip the glittery, over-the-top ornaments this year and try something with a little more staying power. The Ralph Lauren Christmas tree look has been showing up everywhere lately, and it’s easy to see why — it feels like something out of an old family lodge, all rich colors and warm light, the kind of tree you want to sit near with a cup of something hot. This style leans into tartan ribbon, deep reds and greens, brushed gold, and velvet ornaments instead of anything trendy or fast-fashion.
The best part is that most of it can be pulled together with pieces you probably already own, mixed in fresh new ways. Here are fifteen ideas to help you bring that timeless, collected look to your own tree this season.
1. Load the Tree with Warm White Lights
Before anything else goes on the tree, focus on getting the lighting right. Warm white lights tucked deep into the branches create that cozy, fireside glow that defines the whole look, rather than the brighter, whiter light some trees default to. Add a few lights closer to the tips for extra sparkle, but keep the majority nestled inside so the tree reads as layered and rich rather than flat. This step matters more than people expect, since it sets the tone for every ornament you add after.
2. Weave in Tartan Ribbon Loosely
Tartan ribbon is really the defining element of this look, and the trick is to keep it loose and imperfect rather than tightly wound. Cut the ribbon into three to four foot strips, then tuck and billow them through the branches so they weave in and out naturally. A slightly uneven placement actually reads as more collected and timeless than a perfectly symmetrical wrap. If you have more than one tartan pattern on hand, layering a thinner one over a wider strip adds extra depth.
3. Mix Gold and Silver Metals Evenly
Rather than choosing one metallic tone, scatter both gold and silver ornaments evenly throughout the tree so they read like jewelry rather than a big statement. Avoid clustering all of one metal in a single area, since that tends to pull the eye unevenly. Brushed or slightly aged metallics work particularly well for this look, since the muted finish feels more traditional than anything with a bright, polished shine.
4. Add Deep Red and Navy Velvet Ornaments
Velvet ornaments in deep red and navy are the heartbeat of this color palette, bringing a soft, tactile texture that glass ornaments can’t match. Place the navy ones deeper into the tree to build a moody, layered backdrop, then use the red velvet pieces closer to the outer branches for a pop of warmth and color. This contrast between deep and warm tones is what gives the tree that rich, “library at Christmas” feeling.
5. Tuck in Magnolia Stems
Magnolia leaves bring a traditional, slightly Southern texture to the tree that pairs beautifully with the rest of this palette. Tuck a few stems into the top two-thirds of the tree, angling the glossy green or warm brown side outward depending on which tone complements your room best. Use them sparingly, more like an accent than a filler, so each stem reads as an intentional detail rather than getting lost among the ornaments.
6. Layer in Gold Berry Picks
Small gold berry picks add sparkle and a bit of natural movement without competing with the ribbon or ornaments. Angle some upward and some downward as you tuck them in, especially near spots where the ribbon dips or disappears into the branches. This detail works particularly well near the top of the tree, where it catches the light from above and adds a subtle shimmer.
7. Sprinkle in Nostalgic Figures
A handful of classic, nostalgic ornaments — think small Santa figures, nutcrackers, or vintage-style animals — bring in the charm and personality this look is known for. Scatter them where the eye naturally lands rather than hiding them among busier sections of the tree, and place one or two front and center so they feel like a deliberate focal point. This is the detail that keeps the tree from feeling too formal or showroom-perfect.
8. Choose a Wooden or Natural Tree Topper
Skip the traditional bow or star ornament and finish the tree with something more rugged, like a carved wooden star. This kind of topper brings a warm, masculine energy that fits the overall lodge-inspired feel far better than anything glittery. You can tuck a few ribbon tails or a small magnolia leaf just beneath it to tie the top into the rest of the tree, but let the topper itself remain the clear finishing note.
9. Add a Reversible Tartan Tree Skirt
A tartan tree skirt ties the whole display together and grounds the base of the tree in the same color story as the branches. Choosing a reversible option gives you the flexibility to switch up the pattern or color slightly from year to year without buying something new. This detail matters more than it might seem, since it’s often right at eye level for anyone sitting nearby the tree during gift opening.
10. Keep Family Ornaments on a Separate Tree
If you want your main tree to feel a bit more polished and curated, consider moving sentimental family ornaments to a second tree in a bedroom or less formal room. This lets your main display stay focused on the tartan-and-velvet aesthetic without feeling cluttered, while the sentimental pieces still get their own spot to shine. It’s a simple way to have both a “fancy” tree and a personal one without compromising either.
11. Pair the Tree with a Full Mantel Garland
Extend the look beyond the tree itself with a lush garland along your mantel, tucked with the same magnolia stems, pomegranate picks, and velvet bows used on the tree. Placing the garland straight across the mantel rather than in swoops gives it a slightly different, more contemporary take on the classic look. This creates a cohesive moment in the room instead of leaving the tree as the only styled element.
12. Layer Blue Tones for Depth
If red and green alone feel too traditional for your taste, work in navy or chambray blue ornaments and ribbon alongside the classic palette. This slight shift adds unexpected depth and keeps the tree from reading as overly matchy. Blue pairs particularly well with gold accents, so lean into that combination if you want a subtle twist on the more expected red-and-green scheme.
13. Use Pinecones and Natural Textures
Real or faux pinecones tucked among the ornaments add an earthy, textural element that balances out the velvet and metallics. Distribute them throughout the tree rather than concentrating them in one spot, so they read as a natural part of the display rather than an afterthought. This detail works especially well if your tree already leans heavily traditional, since it softens the overall palette.
14. Add a Few Plaid Bows Throughout
In addition to woven ribbon, a handful of premade plaid bows secured directly to sturdier branches can add extra structure and visual weight to the tree. Space them out evenly, focusing on areas where the tree might otherwise look a little sparse. This is an easy way to reinforce the tartan theme without needing to redo the ribbon-weaving process from scratch.
15. Finish with Brass Bells or Vintage Accents
A few brass bells or aged-brass ornaments tucked among the branches add a final layer of texture that photographs beautifully under warm lighting. The slightly worn, antique look of aged brass fits the overall timeless feel far better than anything shiny or new. This is a small detail, but it’s often the one that makes guests lean in for a closer look at the tree.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of this look is that it doesn’t demand anything trendy or expensive — just a thoughtful mix of texture, color, and a few classic touches layered in with intention. Start with what you already have in your decor stash, then add one or two new pieces each year if you want to build the collection over time. Go grab your ribbon and ornaments, and give your tree that warm, collected feeling this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What colors define the Ralph Lauren Christmas tree look?
Deep burgundy, forest green, and navy paired with brushed gold and silver accents are the core colors behind this classic, tartan-inspired style.
Q: Do I need new decorations to recreate this look?
Not necessarily — many people recreate it using ribbon, ornaments, and greenery they already own, simply layered together in a new way.
Q: What kind of tree topper fits this style?
A wooden or natural-material star topper fits better than a bow or glittery finial, since it matches the rustic, lodge-inspired feel of the rest of the tree.