Hmmmmm...... good questions.....I was thinking of this being more of a winter theme - and that brings to mind metallics or shimmers, instead of gray and yellows. The blocks chosen, they all use 5 colors with the exception of one which uses 6, so if that block is chosen, two hues of blues, or two of greens could be used. I know there is red in all of the blocks, but omitting it makes it more 'winter' than a 'holiday season'. And if those little blocks or triangle pieces scare you, take a look at the tutorial that Rhonda does. She has you sew strips, THEN cut the triangle or half squares out of that. Smart lady!!!