I'm Bringing the Nostalgic Ralph Lauren Trend to the Table This Festive Season With These Heirloom-Worthy Buys

From plaid linens to vintage-style flatware, this year's Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas tablescape feels classic, yet refined

Red plaid table runner with white plaid plates, silver flatware, and red glitter bow napkin rings
(Image credit: Pottery Barn)

Nostalgia is the order of the day when it comes to festive decorations this year, but not just any nostalgia: designer nostalgia. Ralph Lauren Christmas decor is more popular than ever, and it encapsulates a rich-toned, New England-inspired aesthetic that's synonymous with elegant retro schemes. My take on the trend? Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas tableware – because I might love a plaid sofa and a holiday polo bear ornament, but my Christmas decorating ideas start at the table.

Christmas table with red plaid plates, green taper candles and a pine and berry centerpiece

Pottery Barn's Stewart Plaid stoneware dinnerware collection and Enchanted Forest stag napkins create the perfect Ralph Lauren Christmas tablescape

(Image credit: Pottery Barn)

'The best way to do the Ralph Lauren trend is to take a subtle approach,' advises our Head of Interiors, Hebe Hatton. 'You want to catch the essence of that cozy but sophisticated feel by layering colors and prints that nod to the style. Think a deep red or classic blue tablecloth (Wayfair) layered with a plaid table runner (Pottery Barn), mixed metal accents, and plenty of foliage and red berries on the table. Cut glass and a good set of crockery is a must.'

Dig out your best plaid linens, dust off those antique candlesticks, and your Ralph Lauren Christmas tablescape is ready to go – and if you're feeling inspired to shop around for new pieces, here's what's in my cart, to get you started.

Shop Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas Tableware


Keen for even more festive nostalgia? Our heritage Christmas edit brings together the very best traditional Christmas decor, from Nutcracker-themed ornaments to heirloom candelabras.

Martha Davies
Content Editor

Martha is a Content Editor on the Living team at Homes & Gardens. Her love for lifestyle journalism began when she interned at Time Out Dubai when she was 15 years old; she went on to study English and German at Oxford, before covering property and interior design at Country & Town House magazine. To Martha, living beautifully is all about good food and lots of colorful home decor.

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