All through the house.

The Federal-style home of the Welsh family sits atop a high hill in Jackson's Eastover neighborhood, exuding stately dignity. The picture-perfect landscaping is lush even in deepest winter, thanks to meticulously manicured evergreens.

But any thoughts of chilly formality are quickly banished come the holiday season, when visitors step inside the wide entry hall. Alive with exuberant decorations and masses of collected treasures, richly embellished with plenty of seasonal greenery, the expansive dwelling that Gigi and Vic Welsh share with their three children is the perfect place to spend an old-fashioned Christmas.

"We have a large family here in town," says Gigi, "as both Vic and I are from here. On Christmas morning, we invite them all over for a brunch--egg casserole, coffee cake, just simple things. It's something we love to do, and it's such a special time. Aunts, uncles, in-laws--whoever's in town!"

For natural decorations during the season, Gigi relies on David Spurk of Petal Pushers in Madison. Taking his cue from the traditional style of the house and furnishings, he lavishes bountiful festoons and garlands of cut fir, pine, and other natural woodland offerings on every tabletop, fireplace mantel, and stair banister.

"We like to feature the different collections we continue to do for our children," says Gigi. Older son Victor, 16, gets a wooden nutcracker every year, often found during winter travels to Colorado, Canada, or the West Coast. "He sort of rolls his eyes, but I tell him his wife will love these one day!"

Daughter Morgan, 14, gets a sterling silver ornament annually, which she likes to display on her own tree upstairs. Younger son Colin, 10, has amassed a jolly army of Santas.

The Welsh house, designed by architect Ken Tate, was completed in 2000 but looks a couple of hundred years older. Interior designer Jane Shelton lent her keen eye for traditional English country-style appointments to make the many rooms downstairs flow seamlessly together. Small private nooks, a study, and sunrooms branch off the larger formal rooms, providing privacy and togetherness in perfect balance. And in the Yuletide season, every possible corner is decked out.

The huge Christmas tree, packed with assorted ornaments gathered through the years (each child also receives a fragile Christopher Radko glass piece each year), is placed in the family's central gathering spot, a large library/den rich with dark wood paneling and backlit arched bookshelves glowing with patinated gold leaf. Over the fireplace, exquisite needlepoint stockings with the family members' names are hung. Each was crafted by Gigi's mother, Janet Green.

The Welsh men love to hunt, and homage to this wintertime hobby is paid in Gigi's choice of holiday china. Seasonal fireside suppers are often enjoyed on her set of rustic faience glazed dinnerware, which features a handpainted stag's head and pine garlands in chocolate brown and deep green on an ochre background. Complementing the dishes are cutlery with faux tree branch handles and placemats crafted of slender twigs. Family meals are often taken in the large, airy breakfast room adjoining the large kitchen, while the persimmon-glazed formal dining room is reserved for larger gatherings.

"At this time of year, we really enjoy hearty soups, stews, and gumbos between the two holidays that are so filled with rich food," Gigi says. "Around here, this season is a time we just enjoy being all together as a family and gathering as many of our loved ones around as possible, as often as possible."

Any year now, a new tradition will probably begin: both Gigi and Vic have begun taking piano lessons, inspired by their gleaming ebony Boston baby grand in the living room. "Neither of us is quite ready to accompany carolers just yet," she laughs, pointing to her practice books. "But we're getting there. And it's been something fun to do together."

It's apparent that the Welshes treasure family above the trappings, but having such a beautifully appointed setting adds a special glow to the creation of many happy memories.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RON BLAYLOCK