The problem with almost every home photo shot with any camera is that the flash is a singular, bright light source... but when you don't use a flash you get a pic with the white balance screwed up.
The best you can do in the privavcy of your own home--and to keep that amateur look that we all come here for--is to turn on a bright light from the side of the camera and have a second, less powerful light from the other side. Then turn off the flash.
Also, some digital cams let you reduce the flash's brightness.
