For a child’s birthday party, 100 Layer Cakelet recommends a watermelon and lime agua fresca.  Whole Foods Market offers this simple recipe that can be made in large batches.  If you’re looking for something a bit more grown up, you can always try a watermelon margarita.

I know only two things about dressing for a child’s birthday party: No white (like, nothing can be white) and make sure everything is washable.  I learned these lessons a few years ago when a three-year-old boy knocked an entire trough of punch onto a table of adult guests while doing a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles impression.  So this week, let’s choose something safe, like shorts.

LOFT Riviera Shorts ($49)

I like shorts with a 4″ inseam.  Surprisingly enough, I think that extra inch makes a substantial difference.  I find that a 3″ short tends to bunch up in an unattractive way while sitting.  I also think the 4″ makes my legs look a little longer, and balances my pear shape a bit better.

These Riviera shorts are fun.  I also like these scallop trim shorts and these navy-and-white Ikat shorts.  Also, A little pom-trim never hurt anybody.

Prefer a Bermuda-length short?  These Banana Republic chino shorts look like a safe bet.

Plus-size? I like this black-and-white print Jessica Simpson shorts.  Old Navy also offers a few basic pairs.