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Last time we talked about what to do when you’re invited to a business meal. This time we focus on what to do when you’re hosting - that is, when you’re the one extending the invites.

First off, give the folks you invite enough time to put your event on their calendar. This is doubly true if you’re taking out a client. Try to schedule at least a week in advance.

Now where to go. If it’s a business event you’ve probably got a budget. Most companies limit the amount you can expense for client and company-related meals. The rest comes out of your pocket. So find and read your company policy before you take anybody out. And when you’re calculating the cost don’t just look at the price of entrees. Assume your guests will order starters, entrees, deserts and drinks. (Drinks are tricky. Folks tend to imbibe less at lunch, more at dinner, and still more at celebratory dinners. Know your occasion and know your guests to avoid getting caught off guard with a hefty bill for booz.) And don’t forget the tax and tip. Calculating this way ensures you won’t be stuck footing the bill.

So once you know your price range, pick your restaurant. Find one in the upper-middle class of appropriate places. If you go any lower you’ll look cheap or unsophisticated. There’s nothing wrong with the chain bar & grills - if you’re grabbing wings with your buddies or hosting out-of-town relatives. But for a business meal, trade up.

This can be tough if you’re new in town or just starting out in your career. Here are a couple of ways you can find out where to go. First, ask around the office. Or remember where you were taken for your interview lunch or dinner. This will give you a benchmark for the kinds of places people at your office go to. And get to know the boss’s assistant. Ask him or her where the boss likes to take clients for meal. That should be your upper parameter: Bosses don’t like approving expense reports from restaurants pricier than the ones they frequent.

Another good way to go is to read your local restaurant guidebook or newspaper. Both feature reviews, pricing details and web addresses. Once you winnow your choices based on quality, price and location, check out websites to view sample menus and calculate budgets.

One caution: Unless you’re dealing with extremely sophisticated or snobby palates, don’t risk alienating your guests by picking a place with a challenging menu (one that features lots “foam”, for example) or pretentious atmosphere. Just pick a very good place that you think will satisfy the most people. The more you know your guests and their tastes, the more flexible and adventurous you can be in picking a spot. But as a baseline simply go for high quality food and excellent service. You want the meal to be memorable for the right reasons — good food, good service and good conversation.

Which leads us to a key point about hosting a business meal: Always make sure your guests feel comfortable. That’s the ultimate goal in business etiquette — the ultimate goal in etiquette generally. Keep that in mind when picking your restaurant and you’ll be well on your way to hosting a successful business meal.

Jack Allen edits You-Version 2 (www.Y-V2.com), the website that offers key tips on business manners and style for men. Visit http://www.Y-V2.com today to read the latest posts.