In Conversation with the Founder of Esencial Hogar

Esencial Hogar's exceptional selection of tablecloths elevate everyday dining experiences through its exquisite embroideries and Latin American flair.

We had the pleasure to speak with Celina Wright, a former New York City interior designer from El Salvador, and the visionary founder of Esencial Hogar. As a newlywed herself, we asked for her insights on designing a dream wedding, wedding registry must-haves, and advice for styling a new home as couples embark on their journey together. Trust us, you'll want to read what she has to say!

1. " My goal is to create timeless designs that not only enhance everyday living but also spark interest and curiosity around the table "
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- Celina Wright

What inspired you to launch Esencial Hogar?

Esencial Hogar emerged from my deep passion for interior design and hosting. After nearly a decade in the design world in New York, I returned to El Salvador seeking a fresh direction. While I still longed to express my creativity, traditional interior design projects no longer felt fulfilling. Esencial began as a small online shop, offering a carefully curated selection of globally sourced treasures. Blending my passion for design and textiles, expanding into our own linen collection became a natural progression. My goal has always been to share the beauty I find in everyday moments with a broader audience. I believe that beautiful things should be part of daily life, not reserved for special occasions.

How do you find inspiration for your next collections, and how do you approach the design process?

Inspiration for our collections often comes from everyday moments and the beauty I find in nature, travel, and my cultural surroundings. When it comes to the design process, I approach it with a balance of creativity and practicality. Starting with a clear vision, often sparked by something that resonates with me—a place, a moment, or an image I find myself returning to. From there, I focus on how that can be translated into pieces that are functional yet beautiful. My goal is to create timeless designs that not only enhance everyday living but also spark interest and curiosity around the table.

You got married recently and designed a beautiful wedding in Spain. What wedding design trends do you see emerging that couples should consider?

I tend to avoid trends or anything that feels too 'of the moment,' but one trend I fully embrace is the move towards smaller, more intimate weddings that prioritize quality over quantity. Couples are focusing on luxurious details, from personalized place settings to gourmet tasting menus, creating a truly memorable experience for their closest guests. There’s also been a significant shift in the importance of table decor, with tablescapes becoming a central element of wedding design. It’s a beautiful way for couples to express their personalities, and I love when the color palette and decor come together to tell their unique story.

When planning your wedding, it’s easy to get caught up in trends or what others are doing, but the most important thing is to stay true to your own vision. This is your day, and it should be a reflection of who you are as a couple. Don’t feel pressured to follow every tradition or trend—focus on what feels meaningful and authentic to you. Take the time to create a celebration that genuinely makes you happy, because it’s those personal touches and moments that you and your guests will cherish long after the day has passed.

1. " Take the time to create a celebration that genuinely makes you happy, because it’s those personal touches and moments that you and your guests will cherish long after the day has passed "

What role does color play in setting the mood for a wedding, and how can couples choose the right palette? 

Color plays a significant role in creating the atmosphere for a wedding—it sets the tone and helps convey the mood you want to evoke. Just as I approach interiors, I let the space (venue), location, and season guide the color palette. Ultimately, your palette should feel cohesive with the surroundings and personal to your style. Don’t be afraid to experiment with combinations that feel unique to you as a couple. The key is to make it feel authentic to your vision and the overall setting.

Let’s talk wedding registry…what are your top 5 must-haves that every bride should register for?

This is the advice I always tell my friends or my clients - take a moment to envision the kind of lifestyle you would like to have and register for pieces that will be useful for that. If you love to host game night, register for amazing glassware and fun cocktail napkins. If you see yourself hosting dinner parties, register for an amazing set of dinnerware and a chic tablecloth to pair it with.

That being said, I do think there are some essentials every household should have, who knows when you’ll be hosting Holiday’s at home:

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2. 1.  An amazing set of dinnerware, I registered for Molecot’s Sevilla Collection.
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4. 2. A set of everyday glassware, Zafferano is my go to for everyday. I love their Bilia Collection.
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6. 3. A beautiful vase, I personally love Stories of Italy or Ginori’s Oriente Italiano in a fun color...
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8. 4. A special piece you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself but are reminded of the person who gifted it to you everytime you see it. I’d go with The Green Vase’s paper Geranium.
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10. 5. A fabulous set of table linens...I'm obviously biased and love Esencial’s tablecloths but I would also recommend registering with Los Encajeros placemats & napkins that combine with your dinnerware.

Celina's Registry Picks

What should couples consider when selecting their wedding china?

I would suggest couples take their space’s aesthetic, location and lifestyle into consideration. For example, if your vibe is more casual, you’re living in Brooklyn and love to host friends and family - select something that’s dishwasher friendly and has a moodier aesthetic, my pick would be L’Objet’s Alchimie collection in Black. If you’re in California and your aesthetic is Coastal Chic, I would suggest registering for Z.d.G’s Brindille Bleu collection.

As a former interior designer, how do you recommend couples approach the design of their homes post-wedding to reflect both of their styles? Any common mistakes you have seen?

I would advise couples to take their time and not rush into purchasing everything all at once. Oftentimes, couples have different tastes and preferences and finding compromise with both perspectives is what ultimately allows you to create a unique home. Whenever you’re discussing the design of a space, having inspirational images to communicate your vision are a must. If you’re hitting a dead end, consider hiring a professional to bring your visions to life.

You love entertaining at home, as do we! What does your ideal gathering look like, and what role does a tablecloth play in setting the mood?

For me, an ideal gathering at home is intimate and thoughtfully designed. It’s about creating a space where guests feel welcome and relaxed, but also inspired by the environment. I love mixing textures, adding layers to the table, and incorporating personal touches. I’ll recreate recipes from Alison Roman’s book “Nothing Fancy” or “Dining In”.

A tablecloth plays a huge role in setting the mood. It acts as the foundation of the entire table setting, setting the tone for the occasion. I also love how a tablecloth can spark conversation. It’s one of those details that instantly makes guests feel like they’re stepping into something special, even if it’s just a casual dinner with close friends.

What is your favorite piece from Esencial? Why?

I hold a very special place in my heart for our Cosmo Embroidery in Olive. It was inspired by the cosmo flowers that grow in my mother’s garden and it’s the pattern I used for our wedding in Barcelona.

1. " A tablecloth plays a huge role in setting the mood. It acts as the foundation of the entire table setting, setting the tone for the occasion. I also love how it can spark conversation. It’s one of those details that instantly makes guests feel like they’re stepping into something special "

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