"Oh wow, nice stuff," was one woman's exclamation upon entering Ambience, a new store which carries tableware, pots, pans and other kitchen utensils.

"I already have one Christmas gift," another guest boasted proudly.

Others reacted along the same line at the recent grand opening of the store in the Liguanea Post Mall, St Andrew.

Guests examined stacks of beautiful tableware whose beauty and functionality were obvious. Tableware designs consisted of unique and traditional shapes.

One of the store's flagship brands is Villeroy and Boch, made by a 260-year-old company out of Germany. Their items are in 125 other countries. Other brands include Wusthof, a line of durable knives, and WMF, a line of pots and pans.

"We don't want to create an elitist atmosphere because we have good quality items and some items are at very reasonable prices," said Director Alexandra Consten, a German native who has lived in Jamaica for two years. Consten got the idea to open the store during a trip to the Cayman Islands where she saw another successful Ambience store.

The concept behind her store is to bring the European tableware culture of setting a beautiful table, making yourself comfortable and having a great time in Jamaica.

Additionally jams, pickles, German breads, sausages and other speciality foods will also be available.

sacha.walters@gleanerjm.com

Lois Cowling (left) talk enthusiastically to Judith Burke (centre) and Marlena Schorlemer about the attractive display of the items for the dining room and kitchen now available at Ambience in Liguanea Post Mall, St Andrew. - Photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Ulla Wycoff (left), Paul Tomlinson and Ana Martha Engel in conversation about wine before the official opening.

Itzel Rueda (second right) and her mother Mexican Ambassador Leonora Rueda (right) examine a piece of the elegantly designed stemware by Villeroy and Boch at Ambience.