Few seasons stir emotion quite like Christmas, with its particular blend of nostalgia, hope and the promise of comfort.
But this year, a not-so-new aesthetic has taken over social media, promising to deliver that picture-perfect holiday moment: A Ralph Lauren Christmas.
The trend captures an upscale but cozy, warm and traditional version of the holiday, marked by plaid decor and a sense of crackling coziness. We’re talking specific hues of red and green, fresh garland arranged just so, moody dark woods and a level of coordination that would make even the most dedicated holiday decorator take notes.
Creators are helping people achieve the evocative aesthetic, including with dollar store options and DIY ideas. One second-generation Ralph Lauren employee’s how-to video racked up 7 million views.
Though others are skeptical of the trend and the added pressure it poses. “Christmas is not supposed to be a sophisticated thing. It’s supposed to be a core memory for your family or a moment to let your hair down,” one TikToker said.
As for what makes this different than, well, regular Christmas decor?
“Ralph Lauren Christmas is traditional Christmas,” Preston Konrad, a former employee of the brand and founder of the brand Preston Lane, tells TODAY.com. “It’s really about the styling and the layering that makes a Ralph Lauren Christmas feel that extra bit more special.”
If you’re looking to achieve the internet’s new favorite Christmas aesthetic, some ex-Ralph Lauren employees are sharing their secrets. Here’s what defines a Ralph Lauren Christmas and the surprisingly strict rules that come with it.
Ralph Lauren Christmas do’s: What to try
Plaid, plaid, plaid
According to Konrad, when aiming for that Ralph Lauren holiday feeling, there’s one element you absolutely cannot skip.
“You got to have some tartan plaid somewhere, whether it’s a tablecloth, a throw blanket, napkins, ribbon. Tartan plaid is really classic, and it’s really Ralph Lauren Christmas, so you have to do that,” he says.
This doesn’t mean you need to plaid-ify your entire home. The key is strategic placement, Konrad explains. Swap out lampshades on statement fixtures for tartan versions. Drape a tartan throw blanket over the back of a leather chair. Use tartan napkins at your dining table.
“You can get it in any craft store, and it instantly feels expensive,” he says.
Create the right ambiance with scent
This one might surprise you, but Konrad is adamant: “You have to scent your home, because it all goes together.”
Not just any holiday scent will do. “Not like a cookie, vanilla shortbread scent,” he clarifies.
Think “Classic Christmas,” like fresh pine or a touch of cinnamon. The scent should evoke the natural elements you’re bringing into your home through your garland and arrangements.
Use warm light
“Warm white lights on everything. It’s just the foundation of this aesthetic,” Konrad states.
This applies to your Christmas tree, outdoor garland, and any decorative lighting.
Never use colored lights for the classic Ralph Lauren look — those are reserved for kids’ trees or more casual spaces, Konrad explains. The warm glow creates the cozy, intimate atmosphere that defines the aesthetic.
Ralph Lauren Christmas don’ts: What to avoid
Skip holiday sayings and text-heavy decor
“Things with writing on it, that’s like ‘Happy Holidays,’ ‘Fa La La’ — that’s not really a Ralph Lauren Christmas,” Konrad says.
Avoid throw pillows, blankets, signs or any decor featuring holiday phrases. The aesthetic is about understated elegance, and text-heavy items read as cheesy rather than sophisticated, he says.
No glitter or sparkly decorations
While glittery ornaments and sparkly decor might feel festive, they don’t fit the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. “Glittery stuff would probably be a don’t for this, even as fun as it is,” Konrad notes.
Instead, he says, opt for classic finishes: matte ornaments, natural pine cones, and traditional metallic accents like brass, nickel, and chrome. The look should feel timeless and elegant, not trendy or overly decorative.
“Nothing sparkly, no kitschy ornaments,” he emphasizes when discussing tree decorations. The restraint is what makes everything look so polished and intentional.
Avoid unexpected colors
Stay within the classic palette of reds, greens, golds and neutrals. But even within those families, certain shades don’t work.
“Deep maroon really wasn’t something that I remember doing anything with at Ralph Lauren from a Christmas point of view,” Konrad reveals.
“And also, navy blue. People associate it really closely to Ralph Lauren Christmas, but it was really the gift boxes that were navy blue … it wasn’t like tons of blue ribbon and blue ornaments.”
For stockings, he’s equally clear: “No bright colors, no hot pinks and bright blues — that stuff wouldn’t fit into this aesthetic.”
How to decorate a Ralph Lauren Christmas tree
When it comes to the tree, Konrad’s approach centers on thoughtful layering rather than an abundance of ornaments.
“Always warm white lights, no colored lights. Classic ornaments like gold, red, mixing ribbon into the tree, like tartan ribbon. Nothing sparkly, no kitschy ornaments,” he explains.
It’s “less about tons of different styles of ornaments,” and “more about layering in things like fresh pine and dusted pine cones and red berries and ribbon,” he says.
Even with an artificial tree, Konrad recommends adding fresh elements for texture and authenticity.
Another charming touch? “The teddy bear thing is so Ralph, so I could see someone putting some cute teddy bear ornaments in there,” Konrad adds.
As for what to avoid, Konrad is clear: “Long, drapey ribbons all over the tree” and “massive ornaments that are six, eight inches big.” The key is restraint.
Budget-friendly Ralph Lauren Christmas tips
Though the aesthetic is inspired by a luxury brand, you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve this look. Konrad shares several affordable strategies for creating a Ralph Lauren Christmas on any budget.
Swap lampshades: Replace chandelier or sconce shades with tartan plaid versions from Amazon.
Strategic textiles: A single tartan plaid blanket from Target or HomeGoods, draped over a chair, “instantly looks chic,” according to Konrad.
DIY floral arrangements: Buy magnolia branches at your local florist or hardware store and mix them with cut pine in vases you already own.
Craft store ribbon: Konrad notes that tartan ribbon from any craft store “instantly feels expensive” when woven into trees and garland.
“You don’t have to go crazy,” Konrad emphasizes. “It’s about layering in, making sure the house smells the right way, and then having those hits throughout the space.”
Make it personal
Despite all these guidelines, Konrad stresses one crucial principle: “It’s your house and it’s your family, and you have to feel good about it.”
The trend has sparked debates in comments sections on social media about whether people should just decorate however they want.
“One hundred percent, you can,” Konrad affirms. “This is just a way to help you do something new or maybe reinvent what you already have.”
His final advice? “Don’t stress, and don’t overspend.”
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:
