This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The short answer
The heritage Christmas tree look comes down to five things: tartan plaid ornaments, classic equestrian and cable-knit motifs, a rich velvet or plaid tree skirt, warm cedar garland, and a single statement topper. Start with real Ralph Lauren ornaments for authenticity, then fill in with heritage pieces from Pottery Barn and Wayfair. Stick to a tight palette of deep green, classic red plaid, brass, and gold, and the whole tree reads as timeless rather than trendy.
The ornaments: start with the real thing
Ralph Lauren's holiday collection is the real deal, and this year's ornament sets are some of the best they've done. These are the pieces that make the whole tree read as authentic heritage rather than inspired-by.
1. Dalsing Bear Ornament Gift Set
Tartan plaid teddy bears in Alexander, Blackwatch, and Wexford plaids. This is the single most heritage thing you can hang on a tree. The bears are dressed in actual woven plaid, not printed, and the set looks like it came out of a country estate.
Price: C$191.70
Why it made the list: Nothing says heritage Christmas like plaid bears. These are the ornaments people will ask about.
Shop the Dalsing Bear Ornament Set →
2. Ranch Ornament Gift Set
An equestrian-themed set that leans into the horse-country side of the heritage look. Rich finishes, classic sporting motifs, the kind of ornaments that look like they've been collected over decades.
Price: C$355
Why it made the list: The equestrian angle is what separates a heritage tree from a generic plaid tree. This set is the splurge that anchors the whole look.
Shop the Ranch Ornament Gift Set →
3. Cable-Knit Ornament Gift Set
Ornaments with the iconic cable-knit texture, like a tiny fisherman sweater for your tree. They add softness and texture against the shinier brass and glass pieces.
Price: C$142
Why it made the list: Texture is what makes a tree look styled rather than decorated. These bring the cozy.
Shop the Cable-Knit Ornament Gift Set →
4. Plaid Ornament Box, Set of 6
Pottery Barn's plaid ornament box gives you six coordinating tartan balls that fill out the tree between your statement Ralph Lauren pieces. Think of these as the supporting cast.
Price: $59.50
Why it made the list: Every tree needs volume. These give you the plaid repetition at a fraction of the designer price.
The foundation: skirt, garland, topper
5. Heirloom Embroidered Velvet Tree Skirt
Deep green velvet with heirloom embroidery. This is the piece that grounds the entire tree. Velvet reads as luxury in a way that no printed fabric can match, and the embroidery gives it the collected-over-time feel.
Price: $129
Why it made the list: The tree skirt is the largest single textile on the tree. Cheap out here and the whole thing looks cheap. This one doesn't.
Shop the Heirloom Velvet Tree Skirt →
6. 9 ft Pre-Lit LED Cedar Garland
Real-looking cedar garland, pre-lit with warm LEDs. Drape it around the tree for depth, or run it along the mantel to tie the room together. Nine feet gives you enough for a full tree plus some leftover.
Price: $199.99
Why it made the list: Garland is what makes a tree look full and professionally styled. The pre-lit feature means no fighting with string lights.
Shop the Pre-Lit Cedar Garland →
7. Lit Mirrored Star Tree Topper
A mirrored star that catches the light from every angle, with built-in lighting so it glows after dark. One statement topper is all a heritage tree needs.
Price: $79.50
Why it made the list: The topper is the period at the end of the sentence. Mirrored gold ties together every brass and gold ornament on the tree.
Shop the Lit Mirrored Star Topper →
The finishing touch
8. MacKenzie-Childs Tartan Stocking
Hang these on the mantel to carry the tartan story beyond the tree. MacKenzie-Childs does traditional patterns with a slightly playful hand, which keeps the whole room from feeling too serious.
Price: $79.95
Why it made the list: The tree doesn't exist in isolation. Matching the stockings to the tree's plaid makes the whole room feel intentional.
Quick comparison
| Product | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dalsing Bear Ornament Set (RL) | C$191.70 | The signature plaid moment |
| Ranch Ornament Gift Set (RL) | C$355 | Equestrian anchor pieces |
| Cable-Knit Ornament Set (RL) | C$142 | Cozy texture |
| Plaid Ornament Box, Set of 6 (PB) | $59.50 | Filling out the tree |
| Heirloom Velvet Tree Skirt (PB) | $129 | Grounding the whole look |
| 9 ft Pre-Lit Cedar Garland (Wayfair) | $199.99 | Fullness and warmth |
| Lit Mirrored Star Topper (PB) | $79.50 | The finishing statement |
| Tartan Stocking (MacKenzie-Childs) | $79.95 | Tying in the mantel |
Frequently asked questions
How do I get the heritage Christmas look on a budget?
Start with one or two real Ralph Lauren ornament sets as your statement pieces, then fill in with heritage-style decor from Pottery Barn and Wayfair in the same palette. Nobody can tell which plaid ball cost $10 and which cost $50 once they're on the tree together.
What colors are in a heritage Christmas tree?
Deep green, classic red tartan plaid, brass, gold, and warm ivory. Stick to those five and the tree will always look cohesive.
Is the heritage Christmas look still popular?
Very. Searches for the classic heritage Christmas tree spike every October through December, and the look has stayed consistent for years because it's based on traditional design rather than trends.
How many ornaments do I need for a 7.5 ft tree?
Plan for 70 to 90 ornaments for a full look. Mix large statement ornaments (the Ralph Lauren sets) with smaller filler ornaments (like the Pottery Barn plaid box) and garland to cover the gaps.