Tips from Chris Nelson at Fall Creek Portrait Design:

Framing: You can use drapes to create a frame around your family or your fireplace

Lighting: Avoid extreme lighting conditions like a bright picture window behind you in a dark room

Triangle: Create a triangle with your people. It can be a classic triangle or a right angle triangle

Outdoors: Even a cold day can make for a nice backdrop. Put your family in the snow for a few minutes to get a dramatic picture

Looking your best: Use other people to mask the areas you don't want to show.

Show Relationships: Have a mother and daughter take a casual picture together. Take a snapshot of a someone laughing together, hugging, etc.

Be Casual: Don't put people in a "lineup" try different poses for different people.