20 Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree Ideas for a Classic Preppy Holiday

If you love the timeless preppy look, these Ralph Lauren Christmas tree ideas will make your holiday feel straight out of a classic holiday catalog. Think deep hunter greens, navy blues, rich tartan plaids, polished brass, and touches of brown leather. It is the kind of Christmas tree that never goes out of style, and every ornament feels like it has a story.

Each idea below shows you how to layer these equestrian-inspired details, from ribbon cascades to monogrammed ornaments. Pick your favorites and mix them together to build a tree that feels warm, elegant, and unmistakably Ralph Lauren. For even more looks to compare, our full collection of Christmas tree ideas has plenty of inspiration to spark your imagination.

1. Black Watch Tartan Ribbon Cascade

Start with a full green tree and weave wide Black Watch tartan ribbon down through the branches in long, flowing lines. The dark green and navy plaid is the signature of the Ralph Lauren look, and it instantly gives your tree a rich, tailored feel. Cut the ribbon into four or five long strips and tuck each one deep into the branches so it looks like it is pouring down the tree.

Let the ribbon twist naturally as it falls so both sides of the plaid show. Use a wired ribbon if you can, because it holds its shape and makes big, soft loops easy. Once the ribbon is in place, add your ornaments in the gaps between the ribbons. This one move does half the decorating work for you, and the tree already looks like a page from a holiday catalog.

2. Hunter Green and Navy Glass Ornaments

A Ralph Lauren Christmas tree keeps its color palette tight, and hunter green paired with navy blue is the perfect foundation. Choose shatterproof glass ball ornaments in these two deep shades, mixing shiny and matte finishes for depth. Hang the larger balls deeper inside the tree and the smaller ones near the tips of the branches.

This two-color base makes every other decoration on the tree look more expensive. The dark tones glow beautifully against warm white lights, and they pair perfectly with plaid ribbon and brass accents. If your tree looks bare after hanging them, add a few more of each color until the branches feel full. Simple, classic, and impossible to get wrong.

3. Brass Polo Player Figurine Ornaments

Nothing says Ralph Lauren like the famous polo player, and small brass polo rider figurines make wonderful tree ornaments. Look for solid brass or brass-finished ornaments shaped like a rider on horseback, about three to four inches tall. Hang them at eye level where guests can spot them easily, spaced evenly around the tree.

The warm golden metal catches the tree lights and adds a touch of old-money elegance without any glitter or fuss. These figurines also become keepsakes you will hang year after year. If you cannot find polo player ornaments, small brass horses or brass hunting dogs give the same equestrian feeling. A set of six to eight is enough to make the theme clear.

4. Brown Leather Strap Garland

Swap the usual beaded garland for thin brown leather straps looped loosely around the tree. You can buy leather cord by the roll at a craft store, or cut long strips from a soft leather belt blank. Drape them in gentle swags between the branches, and add tiny brass buckles or brass rings at the lowest point of each swag for a saddle-inspired detail.

The rich brown leather adds warmth and texture that you cannot get from plastic garlands. It smells wonderful too, like a good leather bag, and it ages beautifully. Keep the swags loose and uneven on purpose, because the relaxed drape is what makes it look like real equestrian tack rather than a stiff decoration. This detail always gets compliments from guests.

5. Equestrian Horse Ornaments

Hand-painted horse ornaments bring the equestrian heart of the Ralph Lauren style right onto your tree. Look for ornaments in dapple gray, chestnut brown, and black, with painted saddles and bridles in deep red or navy. Hang them facing outward at different heights so it looks like a little herd moving through the branches.

These ornaments work best when they are the stars, so give them space and do not crowd them with too many balls nearby. A set of five to seven horses is plenty for a seven-foot tree. Kids love finding each horse hidden in the branches, which makes decorating feel like a game. They also look beautiful against the dark green branches and warm lights.

6. Cream Cable-Knit Tree Skirt

A chunky cream cable-knit tree skirt is the cozy finishing touch your Ralph Lauren tree needs. The soft ivory knit looks like a favorite fisherman’s sweater wrapped around the base of the tree, and it balances all the dark greens and navys above it. Choose a skirt at least 48 inches wide so it covers the stand completely and pools softly on the floor.

This one piece makes the whole tree feel warmer and more inviting, like a lodge in the mountains. It also hides the tree stand and any cords without any fuss. If you cannot find a knit skirt, a folded cream throw blanket works just as well. Pair it with matching knit stockings on the mantel by following our Christmas mantel decor ideas to carry the cozy look across the whole room.

7. Classic Red Tartan Tree Topper Bow

Top your tree with a big, bold bow made from red tartan ribbon instead of a traditional star or angel. Cut four long loops of wide wired plaid ribbon and pinch them together in the center with floral wire, then fluff each loop until the bow looks full and generous. Let two long tails stream down the front of the tree for extra drama.

The red plaid topper ties together every tartan detail lower on the tree and gives the whole design a clear focal point. If you love this bold red moment, you will also enjoy our red Christmas tree ideas for even more ways to use the color. Make the bow at least 12 inches wide so it can hold its own against a full seven-foot tree.

8. Burgundy Velvet Ribbon Swags

Deep burgundy velvet ribbon tucked into the branches adds a layer of quiet luxury to your tree. Cut the ribbon into 18-inch lengths, pinch the middle of each piece, and tuck it deep between the branches so the two ends spill outward like a small fountain. Space these velvet tucks evenly around the tree, about a foot apart.

Velvet catches the light in a soft, rich way that shiny ribbon cannot match, and the dark wine color is pure Ralph Lauren. This technique also fills in any thin or bare spots on an artificial tree beautifully. Use a two-inch wide ribbon for the best effect, and do not worry about making each tuck perfect. The slight unevenness is what makes it look natural and expensive.

9. Antique Brass Bell Ornaments

Aged brass sleigh bells hung throughout the tree add music, history, and warm golden shine all at once. Look for bells with a dark antique finish rather than bright polished gold, because the aged look fits the heritage style much better. Tie each bell to the branch with a short piece of brown leather cord or green velvet ribbon.

When someone brushes past the tree, the soft jingle feels magical and old-fashioned in the best way. Mix small and medium bells, and hang a few in clusters of three for a fuller look. These bells are also wonderful keepsakes, and kids love gently shaking them. Place several near the bottom of the tree where little hands can reach them safely.

10. Monogrammed Gold Initial Ornaments

Round gold ornaments stamped or painted with your family’s initials make the tree feel truly personal. You can order custom monogrammed discs online, or buy plain gold medallion ornaments and add vinyl letter stickers yourself in a classic serif font. Hang one for each family member, plus one with your shared last initial, near the center of the tree.

Monograms are a cornerstone of preppy style, and on the tree they feel like a family crest passed down through generations. The gold discs reflect the tree lights beautifully and stand out against the dark green branches. This is also a lovely tradition to start, adding a new initial ornament each year as your family grows. Guests always ask about them.

11. Nutcracker Soldiers in Traditional Red Uniforms

Classic wooden nutcracker soldiers in red coats with black hats and gold trim are a must for this heritage look. Place two or three tall nutcrackers on the floor flanking the tree, or tuck smaller ones into the branches as ornaments. Their crisp military uniforms echo the tailored, traditional spirit of Ralph Lauren style perfectly.

Choose nutcrackers with painted details like white crossbelts and brass buttons rather than glittery modern versions. The traditional design has been loved for generations, which is exactly the timeless feeling you want. They also make great photo props for holiday pictures. A pair of 15-inch nutcrackers framing the tree creates a grand entrance effect in any living room.

12. Pinecone Clusters with Cedar Sprigs

Tuck clusters of real pinecones and fresh cedar sprigs deep into the branches for an organic, woodland touch. Gather pinecones from your yard or buy them in bulk, and wire three or four together with a small bunch of cedar or fir. Nestle each cluster where the branches are thinnest to add fullness and a natural scent.

This natural layer keeps the tree from looking too polished or store-bought, which is the secret to the relaxed Ralph Lauren lodge feeling. The brown pinecones blend beautifully with leather and brass details elsewhere on the tree. You can lightly dust the pinecones with fake snow for a frosted look, or leave them natural. Either way, they add wonderful texture.

13. Coordinated Plaid Gift Wrap

Wrap the gifts under your tree in matching tartan and plaid papers to extend the theme all the way to the floor. Use two or three coordinating plaids in red, green, and navy, and tie each box with simple twine or brown grosgrain ribbon. Add a small sprig of cedar or a brass gift tag for a finished look.

Coordinated wrapping makes even simple gifts look thoughtful and turns the base of the tree into part of the decoration. It photographs beautifully too, which matters if you love sharing your holiday home. Buy wrapping paper after the holidays when plaid designs go on sale, and save the rolls for next year. The gifts become ornaments themselves until Christmas morning.

14. Mercury Glass Ball Ornaments

Antique-style mercury glass balls in silver and soft gold add a vintage shimmer that fits the heritage theme. The mottled, aged finish looks like ornaments found in your grandmother’s attic, which is exactly the charm you want. Hang them in clusters of three at different depths to create little pockets of glow throughout the tree.

Mercury glass reflects the warm tree lights in a soft, cloudy way that feels cozy rather than flashy. They pair beautifully with the brass and leather details, bridging the gap between shiny and matte ornaments. Mix round balls with a few finial and onion shapes for variety. A dozen mercury glass pieces are enough to give the whole tree a vintage soul.

15. Warm Candle-Style String Lights

Clip-on candle-style lights give your tree the glow of an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas. These small lights clip directly onto the branch tips and look like real flickering candles from across the room. Use warm white LED versions for safety, and place about one candle light for every foot of tree height.

The soft, warm glow is the single biggest factor in making a Ralph Lauren tree feel cozy instead of cold. Avoid cool white or multicolor lights for this look, because they clash with the deep greens and brass tones. Turn off the overhead lights in the evening and let the tree be the only light source. The room will feel like a storybook holiday scene.

16. Hunt Scene Framed Ornaments

Miniature framed prints of classic hunt scenes make the most unique ornaments on a Ralph Lauren tree. Look for small oval or rectangular frames, about three inches tall, holding prints of horses, hounds, or countryside landscapes. Hang them with thin green ribbon so they swing gently among the branches like tiny gallery pieces.

These little frames tell a story and give guests something to discover as they look closely at the tree. They capture the English countryside heritage that inspires so much of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. You can print vintage hunt illustrations at home and frame them in inexpensive craft-store frames. Six to eight framed ornaments scattered through the tree are plenty.

17. Forest Green Velvet Bow Accents

Small forest-green velvet bows tied directly onto branch tips add soft pops of color throughout the tree. Make simple two-loop bows from one-inch velvet ribbon, leaving short tails, and wire each one to the end of a branch. Scatter twelve to fifteen bows evenly around the tree, mixing them in with your ball ornaments.

The deep green velvet almost disappears into the branches until the light catches it, which creates a lovely sense of depth. This is an easy win for beginners because the bows take seconds to make and always look good. They also echo the hunter green in your Black Watch tartan ribbon, pulling the whole color story together. No tree in this style is complete without them.

18. Leather-Wrapped Pinecone Ornaments

Wrap the tops of large pinecones with strips of brown leather cord to turn them into rustic-chic ornaments. Start the cord at the top of the pinecone, wrap it snugly two or three times, and tie it off in a small bow with long ends for hanging. Add a dab of hot glue to keep the leather from slipping.

These handmade ornaments cost almost nothing but look like something from an expensive lodge catalog. The combination of rough pinecone texture and smooth leather is pure Ralph Lauren, rugged and refined at the same time. Make a batch of eight to ten while watching a holiday movie, and hang them in the lower two-thirds of the tree where their texture shows best.

19. Brass Lantern Tree Topper

For a truly unexpected topper, perch a small brass lantern on the very top of your tree. Choose a lightweight metal lantern about eight inches tall, and secure it over the top branch with floral wire so it sits straight. Tuck a battery-operated tea light inside so it glows softly in the evenings.

The lantern topper feels like something from a countryside estate, and it sets your tree apart from every star-topped tree on the block. The brass echoes your bell ornaments and polo figurines, tying the metallic story together from top to bottom. Keep the rest of the topper area simple so the lantern gets all the attention it deserves.

20. The Heritage Americana Grand Tree

Now bring every idea together into one grand Heritage Americana tree that layers tartan, leather, brass, and velvet all at once. Start with the ribbon cascade and candle lights, then add your green and navy balls, brass accents, velvet bows, and natural pinecones in that order. Step back often to check the balance as you build the layers.

The magic of the full Ralph Lauren look is restraint within richness: many textures, but only a few deep colors. Keep reds, greens, navy, brass, and brown as your palette, and let the materials do the talking. When it is finished, your tree will look collected over years rather than decorated in an afternoon, which is the highest compliment this timeless style can earn.

Conclusion

A Ralph Lauren Christmas tree is really about choosing rich textures and deep, classic colors over trends that fade by next year. With tartan ribbon, brass details, leather touches, and warm candlelight, you can build a tree that feels elegant, cozy, and personal all at once. Start with two or three of these ideas this year, add a few keepsake ornaments each holiday, and watch your tree grow more beautiful and more yours every single Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What defines the Ralph Lauren Christmas style?

It is a preppy, equestrian-inspired look built on deep hunter green, navy, and burgundy, with tartan plaids, brass, brown leather, and natural woodland touches. Think classic Americana lodge style that feels timeless rather than trendy.

What colors should I use for a Ralph Lauren Christmas tree?

Stick to hunter green, navy blue, deep burgundy, cream, brown, and brass or antique gold. This tight palette is what makes the tree look expensive and pulled together.

Where can I find Ralph Lauren style Christmas ornaments?

Look for brass animal figurines, tartan ribbon, and velvet bows at home decor stores, craft stores, and antique shops. You do not need the actual designer brand, since the style is about the classic materials and colors.

How do I keep a dark green and navy tree from looking too dark?

Use plenty of warm white or candle-style lights, and add reflective touches like brass ornaments and mercury glass. A cream tree skirt also brightens the base of the tree.

Can I mix Ralph Lauren style with my existing modern ornaments?

Yes, just keep your color palette tight and let the classic pieces lead. A few modern ornaments in matching deep tones will blend right in without breaking the heritage feeling.