Shop, drink and breathe 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' at these Seattle events

At risk of stating the obvious, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" opened at midnight Thursday in Seattle-area theaters. If you're planning to see it today or tonight, be prepared to stand in line.

Or consider the alternatives. Put it off a day or two till the crowds die down, and indulge in one of these "Twilight"- related activities:

• Shop at Nordstrom. The retailer has introduced a line of "Twilight"-inspired T-shirts, hoodies and jewelry in its teen-oriented bp department. Cosmetics and 6-foot-tall cutouts of Jacob and Edward ($33) are also for sale. Go to www.nordstrom.com, click on "juniors" and then "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" for details.

• Sign up. Register in advance for the official Twilight Convention scheduled Jan. 15-17 at the Westin Seattle. Presented by Creation Entertainment, it promises visits by cast members, plus "panels and events, themed parties, autographs and photo ops, live musical performances" and more (www.creationent.com).

• When all else fails, drink. The cushy Fireside Lounge at the Sorrento Hotel offers a special Bella Edward cocktail to commemorate the opening of the movie ($10, 900 Madison St., Seattle; 206-622-6400 or www.hotelsorrento.com.). It involves a balsamic reduction, honey liqueur, raspberry- infused vodka and "a pool of blood-red raspberry purée" — all served in a chilled martini glass.

Not to be outdone, Canlis bartender James MacWilliams has concocted a gin cocktail called The Temptation of Edward Cullen ($12, 2576 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle; 206-283-3313 or www.canlis.com). It's flavored with pine liqueur and green absinthe to give it that Forksy aura.

One of each of those and you might forget all about the movie.