Light Source Mega

I have a not so good camera, 6.3 Mega pixels. I want to take shots of my daughters first christmas this year. So I have a background layout ,a few props like x-mas flowers,a gift box,and pine cones, christmas stuff. This might sound dumb but couldn't i just use some kind of light source ,a standing lamp, and umbrella with tin foil in side of it. I have no idea what I'm doing lol but if their anything I can do so my pictures look like a professional took them it would be nice.
I noticed during a photo shoot, or somewhere like wal-mart photo center, their using black umbrellas with a shiny silver inner, and face it towards us, there is a light on the inside.

ANY TIPS???
Edit** Of course later I do whatever i can photoshopping but i really want her to look natural in the picture.