Although Ralph Lauren has been around for some time—his eponymous brand was first introduced in 1967—the designer's name has become ubiquitous again for a variety of reasons, including talk of the company's resurgence, among others New York Times Profile of the brand's limited edition vintage Whisperer collections, and creative campaigns with the wonderfully elegant polo bear.
As far as comebacks go, we fully support this one. Finally, Ralph Lauren's longtime creative director, Mary Randolph Carter, is a popular contributor Country lifeand we've featured a slew of homes designed by those who have worked under the tastemaker's tutelage, including this coastal Connecticut cottage designed by company veteran Nora Murphy and this antique-filled Michigan farmhouse by company alum Erica Harrison. (They're both worth a look – we'll wait…)
Given the recent fanfare surrounding Ralph, we've put together a few ways to enjoy the preppy and elegant aesthetic this coming holiday season. This particular topic has been trending heavily on TikTok lately, thanks to some company veterans, including Molly Moorkamp and Preston Konrad, sharing their hard-earned tricks. (Black Watch tartan is a yes, a puny garland is a no.)
Tartan pattern
It's no secret that a Ralph Lauren vacation calls for a plaid pattern (seen here in a cozy estate by The Farmhouse Project), and Preston points out that Black Watch and Stewart are two tartans commonly used by store stylists. Preston also says the brand's retail stores like to swap plain lampshades for tartan toppers during the holiday season. It's an easy look to recreate at home (and a trick seen in the kitchen of this festive Connecticut home owned by one of the aforementioned RL contributors). If you want to treat yourself to the luxury of high ceilings, the store also offers dramatic ceiling decorations thanks to thick tartans.
Warm white lights
It's probably no surprise that a Ralph Lauren-inspired vacation eschews tacky colorful strands in favor of a warm white glow. (Warning: Some LED strands appear too cool, so look for versions that are more in keeping with classic incandescent lighting.) In this Ralph Lauren-style living room in Livingston, Montana, simple white strands enhance, but don't compete with, the room's other decorative elements. (For the record, the entire home, designed by Jeremiah Young of Kibler & Kirch, features a quintessential Ralph Lauren aesthetic.)
Silver and nickel surfaces
Preston points out that when it comes to finishing vases and vessels at Ralph Lauren, nickel is one of the company's favorites when it comes to truly timeless lacquer. Silver (here in the form of ice buckets) and pewter also evoke a similar splendor when it comes to sprucing up seasonal table decorations.
Lush green
“If you want that Ralph look, you have to lay it on thick,” Preston says in one of his popular TikTok tutorials. “Ralph Lauren isn’t hanging – it’s real Scots pine.” He also points out that store stylists typically bundle up to three or four garlands to create the installations one would see above a store's mantel. Another trick to complement your haul: season with magnolia leaves and pine cones.
Berry branches
For another touch of nature, Preston points out that in keeping with the brand's aesthetic, stiff berry branches can create a beautiful dramatic effect, which is no surprise considering decorating with branches is a popular tactic among designers. Try putting a few in vintage silver trophies or a carboy.
Rich red and green tones
You've probably noticed that Ralph and Co. favor classic holiday tones, but it's worth noting that the brand's red and green version seems a little more sophisticated thanks to a hint of muddiness that gives the hues some gravitas. This is also a good strategy when using color in a country home, and is particularly effective in Abby's hunter-green living room (above) as well as this Mississippi hunting lodge decked out for the holidays.
Vintage accents
Ralph Lauren's brand's priority on patina is one of the many things that sets it apart, and the holidays are no exception. By adding a few vintage finds to your holiday vignettes—think snowshoes, snow skis, antler holders, ice buckets, loving mugs, horse brass—you add more soul and substance to the project. Preston also says that vintage rugs—preferably positioned at an angle—can help warm up a room in typical Ralph fashion. (Psst: For even more antique inspiration, don't miss our 100 favorite places to shop online for antiques.)
A touch of Americana
You could hardly walk across a cobblestone block in certain preppie outposts this summer without spotting the brand's iconic flag sweater at least three or four times, and the stars and stripes can hold its own during the holidays, too. For a slightly smaller dose than the display in the attic bedroom of this neat California home, look for one of the brand's iconic knit pillows (or perhaps add one to your holiday wish list?).
Rachel Hardage Barrett has been writing and editing lifestyle publications for more than 20 years. As editor-in-chief of Country Living for more than a decade, she has covered all things country living—including design, gardening, food, travel, antiques, crafts, and country pop culture. Prior to Country Living, Rachel spent several years at Southern Living, where she served as managing editor of travel, food, style and features. Prior to Southern Living, Rachel was Director of Special Projects at Real Simple, where, in addition to working on international editions and licensed products, she also wrote and edited books and special editions on food, travel, weddings, organizing, and parenting. Before working at lifestyle brands, Rachel began her magazine career at Glamour, where she wrote and edited relationship articles, celebrity interviews, and fashion and feature content. When she's not working on the magazine, you can probably find her browsing an antique store, perusing rural real estate listings, or dreaming of opening a general store.