DIY Tomato Pool Floats for Any Tomato Party Theme
Planning a tomato party theme and want to wow your guests with something no one’s seen before?
Whether you’re hosting a pasta-inspired birthday, a pizza baby shower, or an Italian garden soirée, these DIY tomato pool floats are the perfect way to make a splash—literally.
I recently co-hosted a baby shower with a tomato party theme, leaning into a fresh and playful “Little Sprout” vibe with a charming farmer’s market twist.
Since the shower was poolside, I wanted something unique to make the water pop—but tomato pool floats?
They didn’t exist.
So I made them.
These floating tomato decorations were not only easy to DIY, they became one of the most talked-about elements of the day.
If you’re planning anything from a spaghetti dinner to a summery Italian celebration, these red floating tomatoes bring color, charm, and a touch of European flair.
Let’s dive into how I made them—and how you can use them to style your own tomato-themed party.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon and LTK links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue sharing helpful content.
How to Make Tomato Pool Floats (Easy Italian Party Decorations DIY)
These Italian party decorations DIY couldn’t be simpler.
You don’t need a template or special tools—just a few affordable materials and about an hour of time.
Supplies Needed: What You’ll Need to Get Your Tomato On
- 8 12 inch red beach balls
- 4 20 inch red beach balls
- Adhesive backed green vinyl
- Pencil
- Scissors
Instructions: Let’s Make Some Tomato Magic
Step 1. Blow up your pool floats
Grab your bright red round beach balls. If you have an air compressor, congratulations—you win summer! If not, pace yourself and your hot air… consider this your pre-party cardio. (And fyi… the beach balls I used were bright, bold, and held air like champs!)
Tip: Inflate them away from direct sun to avoid over-expanding.
Pro Tip: Use different float sizes for an organic “vine-ripened” look in the pool. It’s a subtle detail that makes a big difference!
Step 2. Draw your green tomato “stem”
Use a pencil to sketch a star shape on the back of the vinyl. Don’t worry about perfection—tomatoes (and parties!) are better when they are a little wild. But honestly a little imperfection adds to the charm, especially for your vegetable themed party. Or is it fruit?!?! I honestly never know!
Step 3. Cut the stars out
Cut along your pencil lines. I made each one slightly different to keep the look organic.
Step 4. Add a slit for the pool float
Make a ½” slit at the base of each star (opposite the stem point). This helps the vinyl wrap neatly around the edge of the float without bubbling or bunching.
Step 5. Stick on the stars
Peel from one point and apply the vinyl star to the opposite end of the blow-up valve. This gives it a true tomato look! The vinyl I used stuck beautifully but was also repositionable so no worries if you make a mistake and want to try again.
Step 6. Plop it in the pool!
That’s it! Float your DIY tomatoes in the water and watch your guests light up no matter what your tomato party theme!
Tomato Party Theme Ideas: Where to Use These DIY Pool Floats
These floating tomato decorations are perfect for all kinds of fun, summer-filled celebrations.
Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, bachelorette party, or just love a good Italian theme (and if so, you’re going to want to check out this Aperol Spritz Pool Party blog post!), here are creative ways to style these DIY tomato pool floats:
🍅 Tomato Birthday Party
Hosting a tomato themed birthday party? These floats are perfect for kids or adults! For little ones, use them in the pool or set up a fun photo backdrop. Pair with red plates, tomato cookies, and spaghetti-themed games for a produce-packed party.
🍝 Pasta Themed Party 1st Birthday
First birthdays get even cuter with a pasta themed party 1st birthdays setup. Float tomatoes in the pool, create a “pasta bar” for parents, and sprinkle in some cheeky signage like “Little Noodle Turns One!” These floats add that whimsical farmer’s market feel.
🍕 Pizza Shower Ideas
Throwing a pizza party baby shower or a ketchup party theme celebration? Lean into the humor! Stack tomato floats around the space, serve mini pizzas and marinara shooters, and play on the over-the-top fun. It’s a playful twist on a traditional shower.
💍 Pasta Bachelorette Party
Planning a pasta bachelorette party or Amore bridal shower theme? These tomato floats give poolside European flair. Combine them with DIY gelato bars, wine spritzes, and Italian music for the ultimate “La Dolce Vita” vibe.
🪴 Italian Garden Party Theme
Host a dreamy Italian garden party theme with string lights, rustic tables, and tomato floats bobbing in the water (or placed on the lawn!). It’s giving serious Italian summer aesthetic—like a dinner party in Tuscany without the plane ticket.
🍝 Spaghetti Dinner Party Decorations
If your dinner club or friend group does themed nights, this is your spaghetti dinner decorations moment. Tomato floats make a hilarious and memorable touch—even if there’s no pool! Group them near the buffet table or stack them near your entry for a warm Italian welcome.
Why These Tomato Party Decorations Are a Hit
These tomato decoration ideas are:
- Affordable: Minimal supplies, big impact
- Easy: No craft skills needed
- Customizable: Scale up or down depending on your guest list or party vibe
- Reusable: Store and use for future Italian themed parties decorations
Embrace the Tomato Girl Summer Aesthetic
Tomatoes are having a major moment, and this trend is only getting bigger.
Whether you’re embracing the Tomato Girl Summer trend or leaning into the Italian summer aesthetic, these party floats fit right in.
Below, I’ve linked my favorite shoppable picks to help you build your tomato girl aesthetic—from home goods to fashion and hosting essentials.
Use these finds to create a:
- Big summer blowout BBQ
- Italian summer party aesthetic
- July aesthetic outdoor celebration
- Italian fashion summer look
Too many cute tomato finds to fit in one view—make sure you tap the arrows below to see them all!
Tomato Home Goods
Tomato Fashion
Tomato Hosting Essentials
FAQ: Tomato Party Theme + DIY Pool Float Decorations
Because yes—this is a thing now.
And you’re going to nail it!
What kind of pool floats should I use for DIY tomato decorations?
For your DIY tomato pool floats, choose bright red, round inflatable floats that resemble tomatoes in shape. Small and large sizes add variety. These are often marketed as red beach balls or minimalist red floats, and they’re perfect for your Italian summer pool party.
Can I use something other than vinyl for the tomato stem?
Yes! While green adhesive back vinyl works great because it sticks well and is water-friendly, you could also use green craft foam, felt with waterproof adhesive, or pre-cut leaf decals. Just make sure whatever you use is safe for water and won’t bleed color.
How far in advance can I make these tomato floats?
You can prep your DIY tomato party decor a few days in advance. Just don’t leave them inflated in direct sun too long, or they may deflate or stretch. Store in a cool, shaded area, and reinflate the morning of your event if needed.
What are other ways to use tomato-themed decorations without a pool?
If you don’t have a pool, these floats can still be part of your tomato birthday party decorations or pasta themed party ideas. Try:
- Stacking them in clusters around your yard or tables
- Creating a tomato-themed photo backdrop
Can I reuse the tomato floats?
Yes! One of the best parts about this DIY Italian party decor is that it’s reusable. Just gently deflate after the party and store the floats for your next Italian-themed birthday party, spaghetti dinner party, or tomato girl summer celebration.
Final Thoughts on Hosting the Perfect Tomato Party
Tomato floats are the unexpected detail that instantly turns your gathering into a Tomato Party and the ultimate tomato on top!
(Get it?… like cherry on top!)
Whether you’re planning a tomato themed birthday party, dreaming of Italian birthday party ideas, or throwing an Italian bridal shower desserts spread, this DIY pulls everything together with charm and color.
They worked beautifully for our tomato baby shower theme, and one of my co-hosts already plans on reusing them for a pizza party with friends later this summer.
She just needs to get some white beach balls for the mozzarella and really complete the Italy theme party decoration moment!
Pin it for later:
Want to save this idea for your next tomato party theme?
Let me know if you’re planning your own Italian summer party or pasta themed party.
And if you throw your own tomato party—or even just DIY one float—I’d love to see it.
Tag me on Instagram so I can cheer you on (and maybe send a few tomato emojis your way 🍅).
Next up:
I’ll be sharing the full “Little Sprout” baby shower from this day, so stay tuned for more produce themed party inspiration coming soon!
Joy is in the details,
