Nina Dobrev's Christmas Tree Is A Minimalist Spin On The 'Ralph Lauren' Aesthetic Dominating Our 2026 Decor – It's Traditional Yet Pared Back
'Ralph Lauren' interiors have been everywhere this season, and the actor tapped in before it was cool – here's how she harnesses the trend understatedly
There's one name on everyone's lips this season: Ralph Lauren. Across social media and editorial coverage, the designer's timeless aesthetic is bringing a traditional navy, red, and green palette back into our conceptions of Christmas. Though the name is new, those in the know have been tapping into the style for years. Nina Dobrev was one such early adopter.
The actor posted her Christmas tree idea back in 2023, and already it was a celebration of traditional style. On the third slide of her Instagram carousel, you can spot the red, blue, green, and gold tree with a gold star atop. It's the perfect complement to her English cottage-style home.
Fortunately, Nina's idea proves that all you need to embody the Ralph Lauren aesthetic is the right Christmas tree color scheme. Anyone can recreate this look in their home.
Jo Plant, Chief Creative Officer at Pooky, advises: 'One of the key characteristics of a Ralph Lauren Christmas is its heritage color scheme, so when decorating your space, use deep reds, rich greens, and warm browns to mimic the decor seen in a Ralph Lauren shop. As this color scheme is similar to that of a traditional Christmas, matching ornaments and decor can be found in many high-street shops.'
Recreate Nina's Christmas Tree Decor at Home
This pre-lit tree offers a timeless, effortlessly elegant look. With 2,000 branch tips of realistic green PVC and PE pine, it boasts a full, cashmere-soft feel that looks natural and provides the perfect backdrop for red ornaments.
Red and gold have been holiday classics for centuries, so why start anywhere else? This pack of 100 ornaments is a must-have for every Christmas tree, whether you’re styling an entryway or a timeless living space.
Gold ornaments are the perfect complement to a nostalgic Christmas tree, and this understated leaf ornament is especially striking. Pair with red ball ornaments to master the look.
Nina Dobrev tops her Christmas tree with a silver star and this affordable lookalike is a great option for recreating the look. It would look striking with any Christmas tree color or design.
No tree is complete without some classic glass baubles. These vintage ball ornaments are elevated just like Nina Dobrev's; they're perfect for catching the light and giving your tree a familiar feel.
Give your Christmas tree a personal touch with this festive monogram ornament. Crafted from zinc with a lustrous finish, it adds a hint of elegance and individuality, making it a thoughtful, timeless gift for the season.
As Nina Dobrev's home shows, another hallmark of the trend is warm metallics. A glittering star, glass baubles, and shimmering nutcrackers can go a long way to evoke the beloved holiday decor theme.
Jo explains: 'When looking at the finer points of the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic, metallic accents bring a luxurious feel to the trend. Ralph Lauren will often use brass and gold accents throughout their designs, so make sure to add them to your decor. A great way to do this is by using gold or brass lamps throughout your space. As lamps often come in metal tones, these pieces can be used throughout the year, not just for your Ralph Lauren Christmas scape, making them a great addition to your home.'
Adopting a trend doesn't mean you have to take on the entire look wholesale; instead, you can tap into the look slowly, incorporating your favorite elements first. Christmas is the perfect time to do so.
