A neutral field tray includes a base with a width that tapers from a proximal end to a distal end, and an instrument trough at least partially recessed relative to the base and sized and configured to support at most a single surgical instrument. The trough is obliquely oriented relative to the base so as to present the proximal end of the instrument substantially above the base and to shield a sharp of the instrument within the trough. The tray also includes supporting structure for supporting the tray relative to a supporting surface.