Welcome to our holiday home tour—see how we styled our townhouse for Christmas 2025 using classic colors, thrifted finds, and meaningful decor to create our own version of a timeless “Ralph Lauren Christmas.”
Welcome to our holiday home tour, sweet friends!
If you stopped by for coffee, I’d meet you at our townhouse door, hang your coat in the small entry closet, and lead you to the kitchen for a hot drink—coffee or tea, whichever you prefer. From there we’d move into the main gathering space: the dining and living room where we spend most of our time.
We’d settle into a comfy chair—maybe across from the table with a Christmas snack, or curled up on the sofa with our feet up. Today feels extra special because the house is fully decorated for the holidays, and I’m excited to share ideas that are cozy, achievable, and sentimental. I hope you’ll find inspiration for your own home.
My holiday décor philosophy
For me, seasonal decorating is about being intentional and keeping things simple. For 35 years I’ve limited our Christmas decorations to only two totes and a modest artificial tree. That discipline serves two purposes: it keeps storage manageable and it forces me to choose only pieces I truly love—items that tell our story, remind me of places and people, and can be mixed and matched to create a fresh look each year.
This year I noticed the “Ralph Lauren Christmas” aesthetic trending, with its rich colors and layered, classic styling. I’ve admired that look for decades, so it was fun to discover that the pieces I already own fit right in. Come on in—I’ll show you how I layered thrifted finds, vintage treasures, and a few newer touches to create a warm, classic holiday home.
Dining Area & Christmas Tree Decorations
Our long, narrow main room places the dining area at one end, where a small tree stands beside the buffet. Elevating the tree on a wooden box makes it read taller and more prominent in the space. I dressed it in a classic palette of red, gold, greenery, and a tartan bow topper for a cozy, traditional look.
On the buffet shelves I embraced layered styling: thrifted platters, angel figurines, framed prints, and sprigs of greenery arranged together to feel rich and personal. The dining table centerpiece was assembled from items I already owned—a thrifted ice bucket used as a container, a tiny faux tree, spray-painted gold hydrangeas, and faux greenery arranged casually but thoughtfully. Leather-look chargers, white dinner plates, red cloth napkins with tartan napkin rings, and pine-cone wreath napkin rings at each end complete the tablescape.
Tip: You don’t need every new decor item. Use what you have, borrow pieces from other rooms, and choose objects that remind you of memories and people you love.
Christmas in the Townhouse Living Room
Without a mantel, I decorated the tops of bookcases with garland split into sections and filled in with faux greenery for a fuller effect. Each corner is finished with green velvet bows and flowing ribbon tails to echo the layered, refined feeling I wanted to achieve.
The bookcases themselves follow the classic “books + decor” approach: books arranged by color with horizontal stacks used as platforms for small treasures and sentiment-filled ornaments. Above the couch I hung a vintage-style art print that echoes equestrian colors; the sofa is layered with plaid and faux-leather pillows I’ve collected or made over the years. A simple coffee table vignette—candles in a round woven basket and a vintage red truck—keeps the space cozy and story-rich.
Tip: If you don’t have a mantel, use shelves, bookcases, or doorways to display layered garlands and meaningful decor.
Why less is more (and how to make it meaningful)
Limiting our holiday decor to two totes helps keep my choices intentional. When I’m selective, each piece brought out has meaning—whether a thrifted find, a gift, or a childhood keepsake. I usually add one or two new items each season, and sometimes that means letting go of something that no longer fits our story. The result is easier storage, quicker setup and teardown, and a home that feels like us rather than a display of every trend.
The bonus: your home will feel personal, calm, and welcoming—decorated with objects that tell your story.
Visit Grandma Rita’s Christmas Shop!
Explore a curated collection of classic holiday decor, seasonal gift guides, and a holiday recipe e-book—ideas gathered to make your Christmas planning simpler and more enjoyable. (Shop and resource references have been removed from this version.)
More holiday ideas
- Enjoy making handmade gifts? Try simple felt ornaments or other crafted keepsakes to share with friends and family.
- Need recipes? Classic favorites like rolled sugar cookies and a savory holiday roast are always crowd-pleasers—adapt family recipes to fit your traditions.
Pin this to save it later
Bookmark or pin this tour so you can revisit ideas as you plan your own holiday decorating. Come back for more home tours and seasonal inspiration throughout the week.
A week of holiday home tours — participating blogs
If you’re looking for more inspiration, a number of talented home bloggers shared their tours throughout the week. Here are participating homes by day (names only, links removed):
MONDAY
Living Large in a Small House; Amy Sadler Designs; Shiplap and Shells; This Is Simplicite; Stonegable; She Gave It A Go; WM Design House
TUESDAY
Perfecting Places; Cottage in the Mitten; Willow Bloom Home; Thistle Key Lane; Sonata Home Design; Harbour Breeze Home; Decor To Adore
WEDNESDAY
Vintage Home Designs; A Life Unfolding; Lazy Girls Garden Club; My Family Thyme; Pasha is Home; Midwest Life and Style; Country Peony
THURSDAY
Old Castle Cottage; South House Designs; A Hundred Affections; A Stroll Thru Life; White Lilac Farmhouse; Cloches & Lavender; The Crowned Goat
FRIDAY
Returning Grace Designs; Dabbling & Decorating; County Road 407; Bungalow 47; Sky Lark House; Follow the Yellow Brick Home; Lora Bloomquist Create and Ponder
Thanks for joining this cozy holiday tour. I hope these ideas inspire you to mix sentimental pieces with thrifted and classic finds to create a warm, timeless Christmas in your own home.
