If you ever needed evidence that people are decorating early for Christmas this year, it’s the fact that 2025’s biggest Christmas trend, Ralph Lauren Christmas, began trending in early October.
This started, as all current trends seem to do, on TikTok. Neutral Christmas decorations have been dominant in the past few years, but the pendulum is now swinging the other way. I’ve even spotted a few videos of early decorators throwing out their old neutral decorations in favor of this new aesthetic. I don’t recommend that, since neutral decorations are bound to be back in a few years, but it does show the commitment to a different kind of decorating style this year.
So what does Ralph Lauren Christmas entail? And why have we fallen so in love with it?
This Year’s Hottest Trend
There is no doubt that Ralph Lauren Christmas is the big holiday trend of the year. There are other trends worth looking into, including bows (a continuation from last year), celestial décor (we have a galaxy ornament tutorial here if you want to jump in), and supersized décor (like these giant baubles).
However, nothing has stood out quite like Ralph Lauren Christmas, particularly on social media.
Searches on TikTok are reportedly up 600%, and a quick Google Trends search will reveal a massive spike starting around the beginning of October.
Although it is associated with the Ralph Lauren brand, it’s not explicitly about that. Influencers are not suggesting everyone buy Ralph Lauren Christmas décor exclusively. Rather, it’s about a timeless holiday decorating style that evokes a feeling of nostalgia, with a touch of luxury. The colors are traditional, mixed with vintage elements that give the style an authentic, lived-in feel.
At first glance, you may think this is oddly similar to the standard holiday decorations: red and green, winter greenery, and that old box of ornaments you pull out every year. But it’s a little different in the sense that it’s an elevated look with a moodier feel compared to the fire truck reds and luminous greens you may be picturing. And it all comes down to a curated nostalgia.
Nostalgic Christmas Decorations
Many of 2025’s Christmas trends revolve around nostalgia, and Ralph Lauren Christmas is no different. Holiday-lovers are moving away from the modern decorating styles of previous years and toward something with a bit more history.
We’ve seen this not only in Christmas décor, but also in home décor and fashion, too. That old jacket from the early 80s you’ve had at the back of your closet? Bring it out in 2025 and you’ll be labelled a fashionista.
Trend forecasters have pinned this down to a kind of ‘escapism,’ common when times are chaotic or challenging. We want to remember times from our childhood when we perceived things as simpler. Those memories are usually associated with warmth and family, so it makes sense that the Christmas decorating traditions of the past are coming back in a big way.
What Makes Ralph Lauren Christmas Different?
If nostalgic Christmas decorations are in, why is Ralph Lauren Christmas the trend that’s caught on? While it does involve the use of vintage elements, this trend is not exactly about recreating 1960s Christmas décor, for example. It still feels timeless, but with an elegance and sophistication that make it right at home in the year 2025.
It’s also aspirational, but without requiring a big budget. Sure, you can shop at Ralph Lauren to quickly match the theme, but there are so many ways to create the same luxurious look without breaking the bank. Again, it’s not really about the brand. It’s about the feeling.
Elements of Ralph Lauren Christmas
If you’re convinced and want to jump in on this trend, you’ll be pleased to know there are many ways to make it happen. You don’t need to go out and buy entirely new boxes of Christmas decorations. Because this trend has vintage elements, it’s easy to use what you already have or buy thrifted pieces and refine them.
Traditional Color Scheme
The color palette is where Ralph Lauren Christmas starts to diverge from your typical holiday decorating. Yes, we’re using red, green and navy blue. However, not the bright, cheerful versions of the traditional Christmas red and green you’re probably used to. These are deeper, richer tones like burgundies instead of cherry red, forest greens instead of lime, and plenty of gold accents to add warmth.
These moody colors create a more sophisticated atmosphere that feels cozy rather than kitsch.
Burgundy velvet ribbons, deep green garlands, and ornaments in shades of wine and hunter green all work together to create that elevated look. The metallics lean toward gold and brass rather than silver, which adds to the vintage, warm feeling of the aesthetic.
Luckily, this color scheme actually works with a lot of decorations people already own. Those darker ornaments that always seemed a bit too serious for your bright tree are perfect for this trend. The key is avoiding anything too neon or vibrant and sticking with those rich, saturated tones.
Luxurious Materials
This is where the “luxury” part of Ralph Lauren Christmas really comes into play. The focus is on rich textures and quality materials that feel special to the touch. Velvet is everywhere in this trend, in things like velvet ribbons or velvet tree skirts (which adds to the vintage feel too). It has that opulent look that immediately elevates any decoration.
Vintage brass is another staple material. Brass candlesticks, brass ornament hooks, brass picture frames, and anything with that warm, slightly aged brass finish fit perfectly. You don’t need shiny new brass either. In fact, the more tarnished and vintage-looking, the better. It adds to that lived-in, collected-over-time feeling.
Layering different textures is crucial here. Pair smooth glass ornaments with velvet ribbons. The variety in textures creates visual interest and depth, making your decorations feel more intentional.
Plaid
If there’s one pattern that screams Ralph Lauren Christmas, it’s plaid. This is, in fact, the easiest way to recreate the look if you’re starting from scratch. Ralph Lauren has long been connected with plaids and has several patterns specific to the brand: Glen plaid, Barit Glen Plaid, and Ian Plaid. These plaids, not to be confused with tartans (plaid patterns specific to traditional Scottish clans), have that classic, timeless quality that’s deeply associated with both the brand and traditional holiday decorating.
Plaid ribbons are an easy starting point. Wrap them around your tree, tie them into bows on wreaths, or use them to wrap gifts. A plaid tree bow instantly transforms your tree into something that fits the aesthetic. You can also find plaid stockings, table runners, and throw pillows to spread the pattern throughout your home.
The beauty of plaid is that it comes in so many color variations. Classic red and green work perfectly, but you can also find burgundy plaids, green and navy combinations. Choose plaids that fit within that deeper, moodier color palette we talked about earlier, and you’re already halfway to achieving the look.
Traditional Greenery
Ralph Lauren Christmas leans heavily into natural, traditional greenery that feels fresh and organic. Pine garlands, fir wreaths, or branches of holly with those classic red berries make the perfect decorations that you can simply forage for rather than spending extra money.
Drape fresh garlands along your mantel or wind them around stair railings, or lay them down the center of your dining table. The scent alone adds to that nostalgic, cozy atmosphere. If you can’t commit to real greenery for your entire tree, at least incorporate it in other areas of your home where it makes an impact.
Vintage Touches
This is where you can really have fun hunting through thrift stores and antique shops. Vintage Christmas decorations fit perfectly into the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic, and they’re often much cheaper than buying new. Look for glass ornaments with that slightly faded, antiqued quality. Anything with a bit of history adds to the nostalgic feel.
Family heirlooms work beautifully here, too. That ornament your grandmother gave you or the tree topper that’s been in your family for decades is exactly what this trend is all about. They tell a story and add authenticity that you just can’t buy new.
If you don’t have vintage pieces to work with, you can find plenty at estate sales or online marketplaces. Sometimes, even new decorations with a vintage-inspired design work just as well. The goal is to create that feeling of tradition and history.
Moody Lighting
Lighting makes a huge difference in achieving the Ralph Lauren Christmas atmosphere. Aim for warm, dim, and intimate. Real candles in brass candlesticks create that flickering, moody glow that’s essential to the look. Place them on mantels, side tables, and dining tables.
If you’re concerned about safety, LED candles work too, especially the ones with that realistic flicker. Just make sure they’re in proper candlesticks rather than sitting bare on surfaces.
For your tree, opt for warm white lights instead of the cool white. The warm glow creates a cozier feel. Keep the lighting a bit dimmer than you might normally for that moody feel.
Fancy Glassware
Another part of the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic extends beyond decorations to how you entertain during the holidays. Fancy glassware is one element that adds to that sense of luxury and tradition. Now is the time to bring out your special crystal wine glasses and elegant champagne flutes.
These don’t need to be expensive or even matching. In fact, a collection of vintage glassware in different patterns looks more interesting than a perfectly matched set. Hit up thrift stores for crystal pieces (you’d be amazed at how many beautiful glasses end up there for just a few dollars each).
If you don’t want to wait for December 25th, set your dining table with your best glassware and leave it that way throughout the month. It makes your everyday dining feel more special and festive.
Getting the Look
If you’re ready to embrace Ralph Lauren Christmas this year, start by shopping your own home first. Pull out those ornaments you’ve been overlooking, dig through your linen closet for anything plaid or velvet, and bring out your nicest glassware. You probably already have more pieces that fit this aesthetic than you realize.
For what you don’t have, thrift stores are your best friends. This trend works better with secondhand pieces than brand new ones, so you’ll save money while getting a more authentic look. Look for brass candlesticks, vintage ornaments, plaid fabrics, and crystal glassware. Take your time collecting pieces rather than trying to get everything at once.
When it comes to arranging everything, remember that this look is about layering and mixing rather than perfection. Don’t worry about having everything match or look too coordinated. The slight imperfections and variety are what make it feel collected and lived-in.
The Ralph Lauren Christmas trend might have started on TikTok, but it’s resonating with people because it taps into something genuine. We want our homes to feel warm, nostalgic, and a little bit special during the holidays. This aesthetic delivers all of that without requiring a massive budget or a complete decorating overhaul.
Whether this trend sticks around beyond 2025 or fades like so many before it, the principles behind it, like quality over quantity, nostalgia, warmth, and personal touches, are timeless. And honestly, isn’t that what the holidays are supposed to be about anyway?