Ralph Lauren Inspired Christmas Tablescape
I had never associated my love for tartan at Christmas time with Ralph Lauren Christmas decor, but apparently it’s a thing! Add that to my classic holiday decorating style which includes a mix of old and new, natural textures, and mismatched pieces, I guess maybe I can consider myself a trendsetter for a change!
So this year I thought why not share with you some tips on how to create your own Ralph Lauren inspired Christmas tablescape! In my usual table setting fashion, I shopped my home first, and was able to find almost everything I needed!
Welcome in! Today I am joining my favourite group of tablescape enthusiasts as we share how we set our tables for Christmas. I know you will come away fully inspired to get the holiday decorating started after pursuing the 16 festive tables linked at the end of the post. Thank you to Rita from Panoply for gathering this talented much of creators together!
What Ralph Lauren Decor Style Means To Me
Ralph Lauren’s signature home style is where tradition meets effortless luxury (but not necessarily luxury prices!). Rich tartans, gold and silver, warm woods and leather, and heirloom pieces that look like they have been gathered over generations. It’s classic and layered without feeling fussy. I think that’s why it fits so well with my own Christmas aesthetic; a mix of old and new, heirloom pieces (some my own and some purchased at antique markets), touches of gold and silver that give the holiday some sparkle. It’s a style that brings together classic warmth, and just the right amount of cozy cottage charm!
Bringing A Heritage Christmas Look To The Table
I absolutely adore bringing heirloom or heritage-inspired pieces to the table. The rich colours and classic pattern of a tartan blanket, an old silver trophy bowl I picked up at a yard sale and repurposed as a vessel for my centrepiece, the mismatched stemware not passed down from family, but purchased a while ago at an antique store. These all give that gathered over time, effortless, relaxed appeal.
Tartan is the Star of The Show
I mean really, is it even Christmas if there isn’t any tartan? Tartans have long been a part of our holidays. The gorgeous table cover I used today is in fact a family heirloom, straight from Scotland. It is a 100% wool blanked that is well loved and I honestly cannot remember a time when we didn’t have it either at my nana’s house or my childhood. It’s simply known as “the Scottish blanket”! Its’ bold and cozy pattern instantly sets the tone for this classic Christmas tablescape.
A Balance of Tradition and Cozy
I have always felt mixing elements that are worn and loved with more polished pieces create that “come on in and stay awhile” feel, and I think this Ralph Lauren Inspired tablescape fits that so well. Sparkly crystal glasses, warm brushed gold flatware and soft linen napkins with gold bows help the table feel refined. While my simple everyday white plates and old wood candlesticks add the casual warmth and charm.
Tip: The gold bows on the napkins are actually meant for gift wrapping. They were very inexpensive and came in a box of 8.
Layering Dinnerware for a Classic, Collected Feel
As mentioned above, I used my everyday white dinner and salad plates, however I set them atop old wood charger plates I have used so often over the years. In fact I used them in this Winter Wonderland Christmas Tablescape a few years ago that also featured a tartan table runner! To top off this place setting I used my classic Christmas themed hors d’oeuvres plates with a vintage scalloped edge and gold detail.
Don’t stress about all your plates matching. Mismatched plates in different patterns and colours are so charming, and I have done this on many occasions.
A Centrepiece Inspired By Nature
I think antique trophies make such classic heirloom decor pieces. This gorgeous trophy bowl was picked up at a yard sale last summer. It has the year 1941 engraved on it, and I can’t believe someone would let it go! But their loss is my gain! Its’ heritage style and tarnished patina paired with the natural mix of winter greens really plays to the Ralph Lauren style.
I simply squished up some chicken wire and inserted a few faux branches of sparkly greens, then filled it in with fresh pine and cedar branches. A few faux red berries add a touch of holiday colour.
Nutcracker Bears and Christmas Crackers
Another highlight of my Christmas decor are nutcrackers of which I have several. When I saw these teddy bear nutcrackers I knew they were coming home with me without even thinking about my Christmas table decor. Then, when I was shopping at a local outlet mall, I passed the Ralph Lauren outlet and there in the window was the classic sweater with the bear on the front and I knew they were meant to be on my table!
Christmas Crackers are a fun addition to any holiday table. I chose these pretty tartan ones that are made in England, but purchased at Costco. Everyone will get to wear the silly paper hats at Christmas dinner!
Cozy Cottage Details
A tablescape at my house always has to have a few details to bring that cottage feel. Soft textures like the wool blanket, soft linen napkins and natural greenery bring that cottage charm that I so adore.
How You Can Create Your Own Ralph Lauren Inspired Look
Start with a bold tartan base. Be it a full table covering or a wide table runner. Then layer in classic tableware, brushed metallic flatware, natural wood or leather elements such as charger plates or candlesticks. Add a few collected pieces like an old silver cream and sugar dish with a slightly tarnished patina.
Add beautiful stemware with classic lines and patterns that has been in the family for years or just purchased for this occasion. A few metallic Christmas baubles scattered about the table add instant festive charm.
And don’t forget a whimsical element or two. Perhaps a tiny brightly wrapped gift at each place setting, classic Christmas crackers or use an antique teddy bear as a centrepiece. The key is to mix classic elegant pieces with warm and natural elements so the table feels cozy and inviting. In keeping with Ralph Lauren style, why not include an equestrian themed Christmas ornament for each guest to take home!
Overall I know my table feels like the perfect blend of everything I love about the season. The classic patterns, cozy textures, and fresh winter greens and heirloom pieces give me all the nostalgic feels that I love so much about the holidays. It’s a look that feels so welcoming, festive and homey. I truly hope it inspires you to set a table that honours your own traditions and allows you to use classic pieces that have been passed down through the Christmases!
Now, on to visit 17 more holiday tables that are sure to get you in the festive spirit!
Panoply – O Christmas Tree Tablescape
Home is Where the Boat Is – Cardinal Christmas with Plaid and Checks
Hyacinths for the Soul – Cozy, Comfy Christmas
Everyday Living – A Victorian Christmas Tablescape
Life and Linda – All Aboard the Polar Express
The Cats Whiskerz – A Christmas Tablescape in Gold, White and Mint
Belle Bleu Interiors – Christmas Traditions
Pandora’s Box – A Holiday Breakfast for Two Special Boys
My Thrift Store Addiction – Secret Garden Whimsical Christmas Tablescape
Olla-Podrida – All Aboard the Christmas Express: A Nostalgic Holiday Tablescape
Me and My Captain – Christmas 2025 The Reason for the Season
The Little Yellow Corner Store – A Pretty Poinsettia Tablescape
Dinner at Eight – A Playful Tablesetting for Christmas
Corner of Plaid and Paisley – Oh, Come All Ye Plaid Lovers
Mantel and Table – A Cozy Christmas Tablescape: Simple Ideas for a Beautiful Holiday
Thrifting Wonderland – Vintage Christmas Tablescapes with Thrifted Finds
The Bookish Dilettante – Simple Evergreen Christmas Tablescape
SO pretty Maureen! I love your tartan – isn’t it fun when what we already like comes into fashion?! And your little bears are adorable! It’s great sharing a hop with you. Hope you’re having a lovely December so far!
I do love plaid during the holidays, and everything you’ve said about Ralph Lauren resonates deeply with me. What really melted my heart was the teddy bear nutcracker. That is so adorable!
Maureen, your traditional tartan accents are so festive and I love the Nutcracker bears! Wishing you a joyful Christmas season, Cecilia – My Thrift Store Addiction
Maureen we both brought in the warmth of the Christmas Plaids for our tables. I believe my table reflects Ralph Lauren as I have a collected look as do you. The little bears are adorable and your plate stack is perfect in it’s neutrality to compliment your tartan plaid. I also like your Christmas Crackers. It is always a pleasure to blog hop with you. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Maureen, your Christmas table is gorgeous! I adore plaid, and your tablecloth is so pretty. Those teddy bear nutcrackers are precious standing guard over your table. May you have a blessed and happy Christmas season.
Maureen, I am a fan of the Ralph Lauren style. The tartan Scottish blanket is the perfect foundation. What a fabulous find is the trophy bowl and fresh greens are always beautiful. Each element is well thought out to the get the RL look. The nutcracker bears are charming. Wishing you a Joyous Christmas season!
Good morning Maureen, I’m mad for plaid anytime of year, but especially at Christmas! I’m a Ralph Lauren fan and love his signature layered and curated classic design aesthetic. What a great find your trophy bowl was! I love it filled with greenery and berries. Your nutcracker bears are adorable flanking each end of your table too! As always, it’s a treat to hop with you and join you at the table. Wishing you a Merry December and Christmas! ❤️
Maureen, “the Scottish blanket” is a fabulous base for your table in that beautiful tartan. Your white plate stack really pops on it and the appetizer plates are so sweet. The trophy bowl was a fantastic find and looks great with the fresh greenery, and the teddy nutcrackers are perfect. Love the crackers – we’ve had them here too as long as I can remember only I tuck them into the Christmas stockings and everybody puts on the hats and reads out the really bad jokes. Such fun. Your curated table is just lovely and I hope you and your family have a joyous Christmas season!
Maureen, you did an excellent job of channeling Ralph Lauren style! Of course, the Scottish blanket is, to me, the start of this tabletop, for its authenticity as well as pattern. The tartan crackers are so fun. But holy cow, that trophy bowl! I would’ve grabbed that too! It’s gorgeous, and the arrangement within very naturally beautiful. You & I had similar vibes going on with our tabletops, and I love the look. It’s one I definitely feel comfort and joy with. Thank you for bringing yours to this blog hop, and I wish you a very merry December!
Maureen, I love everything about your table! I think the use of tartan, natural materials and warm metals is a traditional approach to Christmas tables. In fact, I think your table would be perfect all winter long. My eyes were immediately drawn to the tartan and the centerpiece. I love the vibrant colors, bold pattern and interesting texture of your tablecloth/blanket. The natural and faux greenery of your centerpiece is lush and full. The bear nutcrackers are adorable, the white plates look like snow and the metallic accents throughout — even on the crackers! — provide just the right amount of sparkle. Lovely! Happy Holidays