Keep the slumber party from nodding off too soon

Use a theme to make the event a success.
By LEE WILLIAMS
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
There's more to organizing a good sleepover than tossing a few sleeping bags on the floor, turning off the lights and turning on the television.
For a truly successful and memorable slumber party, personalize your child's all-nighter. Come up with a theme for the party, and the rest is easy!
We used Harry Potter, who will be back on the big screen in November, as the theme for our sleepover.
UDecorations. Often, this can be as easy as raiding the birthday aisle for the latest plates, napkins and tablecloths (these work great as wall hangings, too). For our party, we chose all of the above, plus asked guests to arrive in Harry Potter costumes or T-shirts.
UFood. No need to get carried away here, and you can deviate from the theme if necessary. Pizza is cheap. Same goes for chips and carrot sticks, with cheese sauce and ranch dressing for dipping. Make-your-own sundaes are always fun for dessert.
UEntertainment. If you really want to do it up big, plan to go see the new Harry Potter movie before the sleepover ("Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is scheduled to be released Nov. 15). After the movie, drag out the Harry Potter trivia game (or make up your own questions), giving away Harry Potter trinkets as prizes. After the games, pop in the "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" DVD, roll out the sleeping bags and tell the kids good night.
UMorning after. For breakfast, we'd suggest pancakes with Bertie Bott's beans -- jelly beans -- and whipped cream as a great way to get the kids out of their sleeping bags. Once the kids are fed and have packed up their stuff, hand out the favors. Again, stick to the theme. Give away Harry Potter notebooks, pencils, bookmarks -- things that can be put to use. Your child's party will surely be a hit.